Joshua, his faith was famous.

Introduction

Joshua, son of Nun was one of the twelve spies sent by Moses into Canaan. He was only one of two to return from spying and to live to enter the promised land. He was an assistant to Moses from a very young age and the successor to Moses at a somewhat older age. The time spent with Moses allowed Joshua to be mentored. Joshua assumed command of Israel when he was 75 years old and he lead Israel into the land God has promised to their fathers. The Bible tells us that Joshua lived approximately 110 years (Joshua 24:29).

Originally called Hoshea (Numbers 13:16), Moses changed his name to Joshua. The Old Testament author does not give us specifics regarding why Moses changed Hoshea’s name to Joshua, but as we learn later in Joshua’s life his relationship with God reflects this new moniker. Hoshea means salvation, a name undoubtedly given to him in faith from his birth. Joshua means Yahweh saves; this name is fulfilled in God’s using of Joshua to deliver the Israelites to the promised land.

The purpose of this paper is to highlight what Joshua believes about God through what scripture tells us. This paper will also provide an overview of three main characteristics that demonstrate Joshua’s beliefs of faith, obedience, and leadership. Lastly, this paper will present what personal application I have found in the person of Joshua and his relationship with God.

Joshua puts his Faith in God

Joshua’s faith is observed in the story from the Book of Exodus of the twelve spies returning from Canaan where he along with Caleb had a “we can do it, with God” attitude. Joshua believes that God is faithful to those who are obedient to his commands. From the time that Joshua was one of twelve sent to spy on Canaan he was confident that God would keep his promises. “If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them (Numbers 14:8-9).”

God’s promises were to deliver them to the promise land, give them victory over their enemies, and to provide for them along the way. We find out later in the story that Joshua’s faith was founded and confirmed in the statement, “So the Lord gave Israel all the land he had sworn to give their forefathers, and they took possession of it and settled there. The Lord gave them rest on every side, just as he had sworn to their forefathers. Not one of their enemies withstood them; the Lord handed all their enemies over to them. Not one of all the Lord's good promises to the house of Israel failed; everyone was fulfilled (Joshua 21:43-45).” Joshua not only was witness to the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel, he was a key part of making it happen.

Joshua Obeys God

Joshua’s obedience is seen in his following God’s instructions throughout his life. One such example is the story of Achan and his disobedience found in chapter seven of Joshua. Achan’s sin had a negative effect on Israel in their military campaign against Ai. This battle ended in the Israelites fleeing and Joshua realizing that the Lord was not with them. God’s response to Joshua was to uncover the sin in a systematic process of breaking down every tribe, clan, and family, and to return Israel to a right standing with Himself.  Joshua followed God’s instructions to find the things that Achan had kept for himself. When the truth was discovered Joshua carried out God’s punishment.

As Achan’s story continues to unfold before all of Israel we see the seriousness of sin and how it affects the whole nation. Joshua believed that God would punish those who do not keep his commands. In this belief, Joshua places his trust in God and obeys his commands.

Joshua Leads by Following God

Leadership is a word that defines one attribute of the character of Joshua. The Bible tells us in Deuteronomy 34:9 that Joshua was “filled with the Spirit of Wisdom.” As General of the Israelite army, Joshua had God as Commander in Chief. We see Joshua’s approach to leadership demonstrated in the way he delivered God’s message to the Israelites.

His leadership style centers on seeking God’s counsel first and then acting on God’s instruction. Joshua believed God when He said, “Not one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Joshua 1:5). Joshua knew that if he obeyed God’s commands and followed his instructions Israel would reach the land and all that it contained, that God had committed. Dr. Constable said in his Notes on Joshua, 2005 Edition; “Joshua's responsibility included unswerving obedience to the Mosaic Law. This would be the key to his success. Knowing the law was only the first step. Practicing it was what would make Joshua effective (cf. Deut. 5:32-33) (7).”

It would have been difficult for Joshua to fail as a leader with God guiding him. Joshua’s leadership was so effective that the Bible gives us this summary, “Israel served the Lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him and who had experienced everything the Lord had done for Israel (Joshua 24:31).”

Personal Application

Hanging on our family room wall is a wood plaque that says, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15).” When I read that passage I think of it as a reflection of the words hanging on my heart. For me Joshua represents the kind of man of God I want to be. A man filled with the Spirit, a faithful and obedient follower, and a strong, courageous leader.

Joshua’s example of modeling a God-Honoring life and leadership model as God’s deliverer of the Israelites to the promised land is reflective of how Jesus modeled the life He wants from me in glorifying Him as my deliverer to the eternal promise land.

In observing the life of Joshua I find that I am reminded that God wants me to love, obey, and worship Him, but that I cannot do this if I still have other gods in my life. Joshua said, "You are not able to serve the Lord. He is a holy God; he is a jealous God. He will not forgive your rebellion and your sins. If you forsake the Lord and serve foreign gods, he will turn and bring disaster on you and make an end of you, after he has been good to you." (Joshua 24:19-20). When I compare this to my own life I find that I often have other gods to occupy my time. These frequently come in the forms of greed and laziness through too much time spent on and with material possessions. I know in part through Joshua that I cannot be obedient to God if I am preoccupied by my earthly desires.

It is also through the life of Joshua that I learned the importance of having a good mentor. Joshua’s mentor was ultimately God. This played out through Moses while Joshua was his assistant and later directly with God as the commissioned leader over Israel. Although my struggles are not represented in military terms, they compare to Joshua in that they deal with people. Joshua was often faced with people who doubted or ignored God’s commands and as such he had to deal with and sometimes deliver the consequences of disobedience to God. As a husband, father, and leader both in church and in my career, there are times when I have to correct and instruct others. This is not always easy and it is even more difficult when I attempt to do things my way and do not seek Godly advice from more experienced and mature Christians, as well as through prayer and God’s Word.

Conclusion

Joshua shows us some key elements in life, how to approach battles and the belief that God will keep his promises. We read of Joshua, the wars he fought against the enemies of Israel. We also read how Joshua put his faith and trust in God to deliver His people to the promised land. It is in the person of Joshua that we learn about ourselves as we battle against the things in this world that prevent us from reaching the promises God has for us in His kingdom. We also learn from Joshua that it is in our faith and trust in God that we ultimately win these battles.  Because of Joshua’s faith, obedience, and leadership it is written, “So the Lord was with Joshua, and his fame spread throughout the land (Joshua 6:27).”