“Now it came about after the death of Moses, the servant of the Lord, that the Lord spoke to Joshua, the son of Nun, Moses’ servant, saying, ‘Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, cross this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them, to the sons of Israel.'” Joshua 1:1-2.
Moses has died, but God’s promise to Israel is alive, entrusted to the leadership of a man named Joshua. Joshua, what do you know about him? What comes to mind when you hear his name?
As a young child, I heard many great Bible stories while attending Vacation Bible School and Sunday School. One of the most exciting ones was how Joshua led the Israelites to overthrow the town of Jericho by obeying what God told them to do. As I was thinking about it, I remembered a song I learned about Joshua and the miracle at Jericho. What you are about to hear is a beautiful Negro Spiritual from a movie about the life of Mahalia Jackson. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXh5wDOHUNM
Yes, Joshua fought the battle of Jericho, but not with swords, clubs, or arrows, but by obedience to the word of God. You may recall that the first mention of Joshua also relates to a battle just after God provided water for the Israelites at Meribah in Exodus 17. While on their journey through the wilderness, a king named Amalek attacked them, and Moses chose Joshua to lead an army to fight for Israel. What was the result of the battle? “So Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.” Exodus 17:13. Something about Joshua told Moses he had leadership potential, and Joshua didn’t disappoint him.
What else do we know about how Joshua was developing as a leader of God’s people? When Moses led the Israelites to the edge of the Promised Land, God told him to choose a man from each tribe to “spy out the land of Canaan, which I am going to give to the sons of Israel.” Numbers 13:1-2. Who did Moses select from the tribe of Ephraim? Choosing Joshua was probably one of the easiest things Moses did in his 40 years of leadership. “From the tribe of Ephraim, Hoshea the son of Nun.” Numbers 13:8. Hoshea (salvation) was his original name, but Moses called him Yehoshua (God is salvation), or Joshua, as we know him in the Bible.
Joshua, along with Caleb, distinguished himself again by how he responded to his assignment as a spy. You may recall that all the spies agreed the land was “flowing with milk and honey” and very desirable, but ten of the twelve gave in to fear and refused to fight for the land as God had planned. At this point, God cancelled plans for this generation to enter the Promised Land, leaving only the two faithful spies, Joshua and Caleb, to receive the promise. Their exceptional faith and courage were aptly rewarded while thousands of their generation died in the wilderness. “Surely you shall not come into the land in which I swore to settle you, except Caleb the son of Jephunneh and Joshua the son of Nun.” Numbers 14:30. Apparently, he and Caleb were the only persons born in Egypt who would actually inherit the Promised Land.
We also know that Joshua served as Moses’s personal assistant, remaining at the tabernacle, and was on the mountain when God gave Moses the Commandments. As we travel through the book bearing his name, we will learn many more wonderful and inspiring things about this man Joshua, another of God’s chosen leaders whom He used to advance His promise to Abraham, and ultimately to provide salvation to all the world.
Let me close this blog by reminding us of some great and reassuring truths about God and His plan.
First, God’s plan to provide salvation to everyone who will believe will overcome all obstacles and challenges. We can trace that promise back to the Garden of Eden after Adam and Eve had sinned against God. He initiated a plan there to bring our Savior into the world, and called Abram to begin the nation of Israel through which he would come. We know that plan was completed in Jesus! So, whatever else God has promised, you can trust He will do.
Next, God uses us, but His plan doesn’t end when we die. God’s plan is greater than any one person. We die, but His plan marches on. God called Joshua to be part of His plan. What did Joshua and other great leaders like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Jeremiah, Paul, Peter, James, and John have in common? Were they privileged to participate in God’s plan? Yes, and each has died, but God’s plan continues.
Finally, we need to focus on how we can use our present opportunities to serve the Lord. You are here for God’s purpose. How will you serve Him during the extension of time God gives you on earth? How will you live? Who will you encourage and pray for? How will you treat your spouse, your children, and those you hold dear? God’s plan is for you to seize the daily opportunities life presents to obey and honor Him.