June 10 - HEROES: Joshua

The series HEROES focuses on the period between the time of Moses and King David. We begin by looking at the story of Joshua.

The book of Joshua begins where Deuteronomy leaves off, with the death of Moses, and the story of Joshua. There are three key sections in the book.

1 – ENTERING THE PROMISED LAND

Moses had prepared Joshua for what would be required of him. Chapter 1 is a reminder of the Lord’s instructions to Joshua.

JOSHUA 1:7, 9. Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to act in accordance with all the law that my servant Moses commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, so that you may be successful wherever you go....I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Three times Joshua receives the advice - “Be strong and courageous.” If God tells you something three times, pay attention!

God didn't want the people to veer left, or to veer right. He asked total obedience from Joshua, and he went on to ask the same of the people.

Read here about the story of crossing the Jordan River. They were instructed to put their foot in the water, and when they do, the waters recede, and they are able to cross. Joshua then leads them to set up twelve stones that they had taken out of the river.

JOSHUA 4:21-22. When your children ask their parents in time to come, “What do these stones mean?” then you shall let your children know, “Israel crossed over the Jordan here on dry ground.”

They created a marker to help them remember.

2 – CONQUEST OF THE PROMISED LAND

Just because they had crossed the river didn’t mean everything was finished. Chapter 6 tells the story of the conquest of the city of Jericho...when the walls came a tumbling down.

Joshua was instructed by God to perform the conquest in a certain way – circle the city for six days, then on the seventh day, then blow the trumpets and charge the city. Again Joshua was obedient, but in this case, the people were disobedient...they failed to completely follow God’s instructions and the consequences were severe.

3 – DANGERS IN THE PROMISED LAND

One would think the hardest work was behind them, and in one sense it was....they had entered the Promised Land...they had conquered the Promised Land...they were ready to settle down. But before they could do so, Joshua had a warning from God.

The big danger would be losing their uniqueness. Intermarriage. The people would forget their distinctiveness. Joshua challenged the people to decide who they would worship.

JOSHUA 24:14-15. Fear the Lord, serve him in sincerity and in truth....And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve....But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

For Christians, the stories of the Promised Land have always meant a lot – not just as history – but as a connection to our story as well. The Promised Land represents the power of hope...deliverance and freedom...new life in Jesus Christ...life in heaven at one with the Lord.

• What lessons do you learn from this old, old story?

• When have you experienced life as wilderness, lasting a long, long time?

• When have you experienced life as a crossing, where you had to step out and stick your foot in the water?

• When have you had to fight battles? (Remember - the Bible reminds us that most of the battles we fight are not battles of flesh and blood - see this passage.)

• When have you been overconfident, thinking that the battle was over, and missed the dangers around you?