Pastor's Corner

The Book of Joshua in the Old Testament is a fantastic study of how God prepared a man and a nation for victory over their enemies. The lessons in Joshua are relevant for believers in Christ today because many of the same principles for our spiritual holy war are found in the New Testament book of Ephesians 6:10-18. God told Joshua “be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9).

The book of Joshua is a history of the guidance of Israel into the land of Canaan, the land promised to the fathers. It will be a bloody conquest for often God tells Joshua to destroy every person in the pagan cities. The land is to be cleansed of all false gods, all false prophets, and all who follow them. What prepares a man for a mission like this?

There were seven incidents in Joshua’s life which prepared him for leadership. The first is found in Exodus 17:8-14 where Joshua displays humility and confidence in God’s power. Amalek was head of the most powerful nation on Earth at that time (Numbers 13:29, 24:20). Rather than fear Amalek, Joshua shows humility before God and follows orders leading to the defeat of Amalek.

The second incident is found in Exodus 24:13-18 with Exodus 32:16-19 where Joshua displays curiosity by following Moses up Mount Sinai. He was not commanded to go but wanted to know what the Lord was going to do. He followed Moses and learned God’s will. On the return trip down the mountain Joshua heard the people having a party which tells him the people have no idea or no interest in God’s will. He learned the difference between believers who really want to learn God’s Word and those who just want to party and live for themselves.

The third incident is found in Exodus 33:11 where we meet a spiritually thirsty Joshua in the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle was a tent where the Lord revealed Himself to Israel. Each piece of furniture in the Tabernacle spoke of the future Messiah, Jesus Christ. A spiritual thirst for God’s Word and a personal relationship with the Lord is a Biblical prerequisite for a true leader. Joshua is an intense student of the Lord and desired to follow Him regardless of public opinion.

The fourth incident is found in Numbers 11:26-29 where Joshua is noted as a learner of humility. In Numbers 11 other men were given the Holy Spirit and began to prophesy. Joshua complained to Moses about these new prophets. He considered them a threat to Moses’ authority. Moses corrected Joshua on this matter. Joshua learned that God is full of surprises and to not question His divine will and plan.

The fifth incident is found in Numbers 13 and 14.

Here we see Joshua as a man of aggressive confidence and dogged determination.

These chapters show Joshua’s biggest crisis in his preparation stage.

He had to pass these tests to be a leader.

Twelve spies were sent into the land and were to report back to Moses.

Joshua and Caleb said they could defeat the enemy but ten spies disagreed.

In Numbers 14:1 public opinion agreed with the ten spies rather than Joshua and Caleb.

Thus began one of the greatest cry baby sessions in all of history.

The people were not spiritually prepared like Joshua so they fell apart and doubted God’s will and plan.

Joshua challenged the people in 14:7-9 but they would not listen to him.

Joshua believed if the Lord was with them then full speed ahead! That is confidence! God judged the people in 14:28-29 and sentenced them to die in the wilderness, except for Joshua and Caleb.

The sixth incident occurs forty years later in Numbers 27:18 where Joshua is commissioned as the new commander. Joshua is said to be a man of the spirit which in Hebrew refers not only to his “spirited” character but also he is empowered by the Holy Spirit. When Moses died then Joshua took over as the new leader (Deuteronomy 34:9).

The last incident occurs many years later at the end of Joshua’s life (Joshua 24:14-15). His final charge to Israel was to stay faithful to the Lord and avoid false gods. Joshua made the final great statement, “as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

God prepared Joshua for leadership and holy wars over a forty year period. When his time arrived Joshua was prepared. Our preparation to serve the Lord takes a lifetime of study of the Word of God and passing our tests. We face a spiritual holy war between God’s will and the world system. We must have the same attitude of Joshua, “as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord (Jesus Christ).” My prayer is the Lord will send us an army of leaders like Joshua to restore our nation to spiritual greatness.

Chaplain Ron McMurray,

Whitman County Sheriff’s Dept.