How do we respond to great threats?

In the OT reading for today, Sunday in Proper 10, Year 2, Joshua gives his first orders.  He has been assured by Moses, and then by God, that God is with him, but he hasn't actually had to act on it--he hasn't really had to make a decision to move forward into a conflict that, on the face of it, could turn out badly, not just for him, but for the people who follow him.  He will, in the days recounted afterwards, perform many great deeds, but in today's reading, from Joshua 1:1-18, he does what may be his first truly great deed--he is resolved, and he begins to act on his resolve by making a decision.

The NT reading is from Acts 21:3-15. Paul is on his way to Jerusalem, and a prophet foretells that Paul will be bound hand and foot and handed over to the Gentiles.  Paul's reply might be paraphrased as, "So what?" When people beg him not to go, his answer is, more or less, in light of the importance of what I am doing, do you think I would hesitate just because I will be handed over to death? It is a sobering answer. 

In the Gospel reading for today, Mark 1:21-27, Jesus confronts evil directly. He is not facing the threatening unknown and the potential for violence, as Joshua did. He is not looking at some encounter with people who are evil. He is looking at evil itself: demons.  And, he exercises authority over them.

God would have us respond to great threats with decisiveness, resolve, and the power of the Holy Spirit, even when we face evil itself.  It is my prayer that we do.