Stolen valor is a serious offense. This is when people claim to have served in a military office that they did not actually fill. It is vile to those of us who admire and respect the sacrifices of those who risk their lives in service to their country.

That is what came to mind as I was reading about King Solomon’s ascent to the throne.

As the final days of David’s life were in progress, Adonijah saw an opportunity. In the apparent power vacuum, there was a chance to gather enough people together and see if he could steal the throne—even though it was not his to take. His goal was to take advantage of the compromised position of having a living King David who could not do much due to failing health. To gather all the right people and declare himself king seemed like a legitimate plan to Adonijah (1 Kings 1:5–10).

This morning I awoke at 3:30 a.m. Unable to return to sleep, it seemed best to rise and read the Scriptures. I spent time in the final ten chapters of Deuteronomy, and the message could not be more plain.

Israel must believe in the LORD, worship Him alone, and carry out His commands.

This was no small task. The Lord would bring them into the land and prove—by blessing and by discipline—that He alone is the one true God. Obedience would bring blessing; disobedience would bring correction. Throughout the rest of Scripture, Israel experiences both.

Humans have always been fascinated by the people we choose to follow. We are wired to rally around leaders, heroes, and personalities. In my Bible reading today, I found myself once again in the story of Gideon—my favorite judge, for many reasons (and not just because he received the best Veggietales retelling).

Gideon’s story begins with him hiding in a winepress, threshing wheat so the Midianites would not steal it (Judges 6:11). Israel was under Midianite oppression at the time—a direct act of divine discipline (Judges 6:1–6). It is here, in fear and obscurity, that Gideon is greeted by the Angel of the LORD with the memorable words:

“The LORD is with you, you mighty man of valor!” (Judges 6:12)

Was there irony in that greeting? Perhaps. Or perhaps the Lord was speaking to Gideon not as he was in that moment, but as he would be by God’s power. Either way, the moment is rich with literary irony—and grace.

Joshua had an amazing career. The first leg of his life was spent under the discipleship of Moses. He remained faithful and served Moses throughout the many difficult years of desert wandering. Every time Joshua is mentioned in the Torah, he is found supporting Moses. Through all the difficulties and challenges, he resisted falling into the sins that characterized much of Israel and instead faithfully sought the Lord by supporting God’s chosen leader.

Joshua, along with Caleb, went into the land and confidently believed that the Lord could do all He had promised, even when the others were paralyzed by fear and doubt. The theme of being strong and courageous is the drumbeat of Joshua’s life. It is repeated throughout the first chapter of the book of Joshua and clearly defines his calling.

Strength and courage are shown to be choices a person can make. Courage is not the absence of fear; it is choosing faith over fear. Joshua consistently made that choice throughout his life. Whether in success or failure, he dedicated all things to the Lord—living out what Proverbs 3:5–6 would later define as the path of wisdom.