Heroes: Joshua, Man of His Word

Speaker: Matt Hails

Notes

Opportunity

Joshua, son of Nun, was grandson of Elishama, chief of Ephraim, one of the tribes of Israel (1 Chr 7:27; Num 1:10). Hence he had a prominent position.

Exodus 33:7 - 11. Joshua was Moses' assistant when the Israelites were first in desert after escape from Egypt. Also a military commander (Exodus 17). He was privileged to be with Moses, but he didn't use this to bolster his own position, but made the most of the opportunities to spend time with God (in the Tent of Meeting).

Make the most of godly opportunities when you are young and / or new in the faith. You probably have fewer responsibilities, and it's a great time to try things in church like drama and music, to dip into community projects, different types of evangelism, short-term missions overseas.

Call

Numbers 27:12 - 20. Joshua took over as leader of the Israelites after Moses' death, immediately prior to entering Canaan. Since Moses is described in such impressive terms (see Deuteronomy 34:10 - 12) it must have been somewhat intimidating for Joshua to take over. Also, Joshua was basically called to continue Moses' task, Moses' vision - Joshua 11:15; Deuteronomy 34:9. But he did this faithfully.

Faithfully follow God's call to you. Don't compare yourself to others; be happy with the limits God has set you; be content to continue someone else's work / vision, if that's what God has asked you to do.

God did establish Joshua as leader of Israel (Joshua 3:7; 4:14), and God did some impressive miracles through Joshua (e.g. walls of Jericho - Joshua 6; sun standing still - Joshua 10).

Commitment

Joshua 1:6 - 9 is God's call and commission to Joshua at start of his leadership. There's a command to hold onto God's Word. Joshua took this to heart. He was a man who was utterly commited to God and to His Word.

There are 2 recorded occasions where he led the nation in re-commitment / renewing their covenant with God: Joshua 8:30 - 35; 24:1 - 27. Joshua's commitment was an inspiration and catalyst for rest of the nation.

Commit yourself to God and to his Word. Did anyone inspire you when you made your commitment to God? Is he calling you to a commitment or some specific re-commitment now?

Application

Choose one or more of the questions below, based on your group, and use as a basis for discussion and prayer.

1. Read Exodus 33:7 - 11. For those who are young - either in age or in the Christian faith: What godly opportunities do you either have or would you like to have? For example: drama, worship music, kid's groups, serving (tea + coffee), other church involvement, short-term mission, community projects, evangelism, Christian Union, summer camps.

   For others: What godly opportunities did you take when you were younger, and which are you particularly pleased that you took? Do you have any advice for those who are younger (both in age and in the faith)?

2. Read Numbers 27:12 - 20 and Deuteronomy 34:10 - 12. What do you think Joshua felt when he took over from Moses? What experiences have you had, if any, in continuing someone else's work? (Include your experiences from secular work as well as church responsibility / God's work). How did it feel?

3. Read Joshua 1:6 - 9; 8:30 - 35; 24:14 - 15. Who has inspired you in making a commitment to faith in Jesus? Or - if you were to make a commitment, who has inspired you the most? Why? Is God calling you to make a commitment or re-commitment to him today?

Posted: 28 Jun 2009