Joshua (c. 1430-1350 BC)
By faith the walls of
Jericho fell, after the army had marched around them for seven days.
Hebrews 11:30 (NIV)
READ: Numbers 13:1-14:9;
Joshua 5:13-27
Joshua, the son of Nun, was a
significant leader during the 40 years that the Israelites wandered in the
wilderness and was a commander of the Israelites during the conquest of
Canaan. This was in part because of his
faithfulness to God when he was chosen as one of the 12 spies sent to learn the
nature of the Canaanites and the topography of the land. Joshua showed great faith in God. Upon the return of the spies he grew in
strength and character as he and Caleb stood against the majority and called
the community to rise up in faith and expect Yahweh to give them the land. Only Caleb and Joshua followed the Lord
faithfully and therefore remained alive to be registered at the end of the
forty years of wilderness wandering leading Joshua to be chosen as the one to
lead the children of Israel into the Promised Land. When Moses was told that he must die instead
of being allowed to lead the Israelites into Canaan he asked God to give the
community a new shepherd and Joshua was selected. Moses formally ordained Joshua and imparted
to him the spirit of wisdom and commanded him to be strong and to lead Israel
to possess the land. Joshua also
received this commission from the Lord and relied on God to direct and lead in
the conquests. Joshua was a man of great
faith and was faithful to his calling.
When the Lord appeared to him as he scouted out Jericho, Joshua was
quick to bow in worship and receive orders in how to capture the enemy. Blowing trumpets daily may have looked stupid
but Joshua obeyed showing his faith in God.
This key leader of Israel also repented when the people sinned at Ai and
was dedicated to the word of God, meditating on it day and night.
JOURNALING AND PRAYER
1. Where do you feel weak in your faith?
2. Ask God how He wants to grow your faith this summer. What does He want to do in your heart?
3. Thank God for what He has shown you, and pray that it would become a reality in your life.
