Learning Life Lessons Through The Story of Joshua (Chapters 1-6)
Let’s walk together on our heart path of life. In God’s land of promises, let’s embrace joy through all seasons and begin our journey of the story of Joshua.
The story of Joshua is a wonderful life lesson story from the richness of the old testament of the Bible. Our God, Yahweh, raises Joshua, from slavery how becomes a protégé of Moses and then his second in command. After Moses, he becomes the leader of God’s people. This story of new beginnings demonstrates the ways that God reveals himself to us by moving us forward to triumph over any challenges. With God, we can do the impossible. The story of Joshua touched my heart and reminded me that when we truly believe in God’s word
“With God, all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26
The story of Joshua, takes us into what one author describes as “the gift of land.” A land flowing with milk and honey. The promised land as penned in the bible. A land that has been promised for us to this day. A land that represents God’s blessings of courage, hope and miracles throughout all lands and all generations. A land of promises to encourage our faith and belief in the truth that His word is alive today to guide us to be courageous conquerors through uncertain times and embrace his joyous love through all seasons. To open the eyes of our hearts to change our perspectives of defeat or disappointments to knowing that God, our Yahweh, has promised His greatness for those who believe. Let’s believe. Let’s march together on this adventurous journey with Joshua.
I gathered my bible, a new journal, writing tools, and several different “travel guides,” (I will call them), commentaries, historic notes and studies for our journey. I sat in my favorite chair and ‘buckled in’ for a great adventure traveling through a section of Israel’s history of leadership with its faith deeply rooted in God’s word and promise.
The story of Joshua sounds more like a modern day action film pitting good against evil. Joshua is a heroic leader who led the Israelites into the land that God, Yahweh, had promised for them. Joshua, the main character, puts into action what God had commanded His servant, Moses, to do. Moses, Joshua’s leader and mentor, commanded Joshua and Joshua carried out his orders. Just as God his servant Moses, so Moses commanded Joshua, and Joshua did it. He didn’t leave incomplete one thing that God had commanded Moses. Joshua 11:14 (The Message)
After my introduction to Joshua, I began to ponder these thoughts: What is God calling us to do today? How will we hear His voice? What direction should we take with our lives, our families, and our work? What is our purpose? Where are we called to serve and put into action God’s calling to walk into the land of His great promises now and forever? I was reminded that God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow, and His promises are, too. This land was a promised gift from God, made as a covenant with the children of Israel many generations earlier as outlined in Genesis 17:7-9. This land was a heart promise from God to the children of Israel for new beginnings—not only for the people of Joshua’s time but for generations into the future.
Some may stray away from reading this portion of the bible as there are too many wars, losses and tragedies, yet they miss the great love and purpose God has for all of us through the different seasons of life. I really liked what Eugene H. Peterson (translator of The Message) wrote in his book The Invitation: God’s great love and purpose for us are worked out in the messes, storms and sins, blue skies, daily work, and dreams for our common lives, working with us as we are and not as we should be. He said to Joshua (and us), “Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. God, your God is with you every step you take” (Joshua 1:9). Peterson adds at the close of his writing, “But to the man or woman who wants more reality not less—the continuation of the salvation story—Joshua’s fierce and devout determination to win land for his people and his extraordinary attention to getting all the tribes and their families, name by name, assigned to their own place is good news indeed. Joshua lays a firm foundation for a life that is grounded.”
What a great time to start our study of new beginnings with the rebirth of spring and the Passover and Easter season around the corner. Let’s start the journey of the story of Joshua and discover how our God, Yahweh, is calling us into action.
Notes and Resources for your Story of Joshua Adventure
Joshua Summary
by Jay Smith
https://biblehub.com/summary/joshua/1.htm
The genre of the book of Joshua is Narrative History. It was authored by Joshua the leader of the Israelites, circa 1405-1383 B.C. The key personalities are Joshua, Rahab, Achan, Phinehas, and Eleazar. It was written to assure the Israelites the Living God will reward obedience, and also to record the entrance and conquest of the promise land.
Joshua demonstrates his faith in God as He follows the orders given to Him and takes leadership of the nation. Joshua truly was “strong and courageous” (1:7).
• In chapters 1-4, Joshua and the Israelites enter the promise land and in doing so we read of an amazing entry. As they arrive at the Jordan River, we find details of an incredible, miraculous crossing. God shows His incredible grace to a prostitute named Rahab, the ancestress of King David.
• Then, in chapters 5-12, Joshua follows God’s orders and first conquers the central of the promise land. This includes the unlikely manner in which they conquer the grand fortress of Jericho. God alone moved and conquered this impossible achievement. Ai was the next town and although it took two tries, the first due to sin in the camp, on the second attempt God again moved and dominated. Next, the Israelites occupied the southern land and then the northern land to complete the occupancy; however, although they controlled the region, they never did completely conquer it.
• Finally, in chapters 13-24, the land is divided up and distributed among the tribes of Israel. Some of the larger cities are placed aside for the Levitical priests who did not receive a portion of land, due to their duties. Lastly, Joshua dies but before he passes he gives one of the greatest challenges that lasts for all generations including our own, “Choose for yourselves today whom you will serve...as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (24:15).
Another resource for your studies:
https://bible.org/series/studies-life-joshua
Notes, Thoughts, Contemplation
How is God Speaking to You?
How will God fill your glass with sweet milk and honey?
What are some of the many things you are thankful for?
Did you spend time with God today?
Where do you feel you need courage in your life?
What are the desires on your heart?
Take time to pray today.
Take time to meditate today.