Joshua had an amazing career. The first leg of his life was spent under the discipleship of Moses. He remained faithful and served Moses throughout the many difficult years of desert wandering. Every time Joshua is mentioned in the Torah, he is found supporting Moses. Through all the difficulties and challenges, he resisted falling into the sins that characterized much of Israel and instead faithfully sought the Lord by supporting God’s chosen leader.
Joshua, along with Caleb, went into the land and confidently believed that the Lord could do all He had promised, even when the others were paralyzed by fear and doubt. The theme of being strong and courageous is the drumbeat of Joshua’s life. It is repeated throughout the first chapter of the book of Joshua and clearly defines his calling.
Strength and courage are shown to be choices a person can make. Courage is not the absence of fear; it is choosing faith over fear. Joshua consistently made that choice throughout his life. Whether in success or failure, he dedicated all things to the Lord—living out what Proverbs 3:5–6 would later define as the path of wisdom.
Consistency in the Long Mission
Another defining feature of Joshua’s life was his consistency. The task of taking the Promised Land was not a project of months, but of years. It was the central mission of Joshua’s military leadership, and he applied himself to it faithfully for a lifetime.
It would have been easy to stop at any point—to step aside and let someone else carry the burden—but Joshua continued until the Lord declared the work complete. He was not a sprinter, but a marathon runner. He rose every day and faced incredible dangers to see the will of the Lord done on earth as it is in heaven. Though the mission consisted of many individual battles, each unique in nature, the Lord faithfully directed Joshua’s steps toward the larger purpose.
Leading Outwardly and Inwardly
Joshua’s leadership was not focused only on outward conquest. The Lord also required him to look inward, confronting the failures and shortcomings of the people he was called to lead. Joshua took responsibility for addressing sin, providing direction, and navigating both internal and external challenges.
There were failures—such as the sin of Achan and the deception of the Gibeonites—but through each setback, Joshua humbly pursued the Lord and continued forward in obedience.
Faithful Administration and Unity
A significant portion of the book of Joshua is devoted to the monumental task of administering the distribution of the land. Moses had received detailed instructions from the Lord on how this was to be done, and Joshua carefully and patiently carried them out.
This process undoubtedly involved intense discussions and interpersonal challenges, yet Joshua’s leadership skills were evident throughout. Because of his wisdom and principle-based leadership, the nation of Israel remained united and connected during this critical time.
A Final Charge to Faithfulness
The final chapters of the book of Joshua are both inspiring and sobering. Joshua recognizes that his time of leadership is coming to an end. The task is complete, and he leaves Israel with a solemn charge: to serve the Lord alone and remain obedient to His commands.
This farewell address is compelling because Joshua clearly identifies the greatest danger the people will face—their own tendency toward sin. He understood humanity’s inclination toward idolatry, disobedience, and faithlessness, and he foresaw the failures that would soon become evident in the book of Judges. Joshua knew that without consistent effort and resolve, spiritual compromise would overtake the people in the land.
The people responded well, swearing their commitment to serve the Lord faithfully.
“As for Me and My Household”
Joshua understood the limits of his control. He could not determine the future choices of the nation, but he could determine his own. With clarity and resolve, he declared, “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
This understanding shaped his leadership. No matter what Israel chose to do, Joshua committed himself to obedience and faithfulness. This personal responsibility became his most powerful leadership tool—leading by example.
Lessons from the Life of Joshua
There are many lessons from Joshua’s life, but a few stand out as especially relevant:
First, the value of discipleship. Joshua’s success was built on decades of faithful service under Moses. In a culture that often seeks quick preparation, Joshua reminds us that deep formation takes time.
Second, courage and strength are choices. Joshua teaches us that faith means trusting the Lord over circumstances, perceptions, and opposition. It is not the easy choice, but it is the right one.
Third, consistency matters. Dedication to the Lord was not a season or a phase in Joshua’s life. It was his lifelong commitment. He did not lose focus or abandon the mission out of weariness or boredom—he remained faithful.
Finally, personal responsibility is essential. Joshua stewarded every role the Lord gave him—for God’s glory. Whether serving under Moses, leading the nation, or guiding his own household, he remained faithful to the calling God placed on his life.
Joshua’s life stands as a powerful example of what it means to walk in strength, courage, humility, and enduring faithfulness before the Lord.
Excellent! Insightful and practical!
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