Thursday, April 10, 2008
Joshua- God's Servant by Pat Patterson
When we think about God’s promise to give the Nation of Israel the Promise Land, we might think back on when God promised this to Abraham or Moses. After all, it was Abraham whom God first told about the land for the Israelites and it was Moses who led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. But as we begin our study in the book of Joshua, we find that God had other plans for a deliverer. Joshua will accomplish God’s promise to the Israelites. Let’s look at the man Joshua.
Joshua the slave - Joshua was born into slavery in Egypt and was given the name Hoshea, meaning “salvation”. Moses later changed it to Joshua which means “salvation”, which is the Hebrew name for “Jesus”. Growing up in Egypt, Joshua witnessed all the signs and wonders that God performed and knew that Jehovah was a God of power who would care for his people.
Joshua the soldier - The first official recorded act of Joshua in scripture is his military defeat of the Amalekites when they attacked Israel about two months after their exodus from Egypt. It has been speculated that Joshua was so successful in his first battle because he received early training with the Egyptian Army while in captivity but later turned down a military promotion so that he might identify with his people and server the Lord. (Possible but not documented in scripture) Remember that Moses had turned down a high position in Pharaoh’s palace even though he received his education there.
Joshua the servant – In Exodus 24:13, Joshua is called Moses’ servant. This meant that Joshua was now an official assistant to the leader of Israel. He accompanied Moses to Mount Sinai and went with him when he judged the people for making the golden calf. One of Joshua’s’ responsibilities was guarding a special tent that Moses had set up outside the camp to meet with God. Joshua was not only a soldier but also a worshiper and knew how to live in the presence of God. He was jealous not only for the glory of God but also the authority of Moses.
Joshua the spy - Joshua was chosen to be one of the twelve men sent in to spy out the land of Canaan. Joshua and Caleb reported back that Israel should trust God and go in and take possession of the land. The other ten spies said that Israel was not strong enough to overwhelm the enemy. Sadly, the people listened to the ten faithless spies. This unbelief that God could not meet their needs in overthrowing their enemies cost them forty years of wandering in the wilderness. Remember the name of Kadesh Barnea which was on the edge of the Promise Land where Israel doubted the power of God to fulfill what He had promised them and think of the years of blessings wasted because of the lack of faith.
Joshua the successor – Throughout the wilderness journey, God had been preparing Joshua for his ministry as successor to Moses. We find that God was not going to let Moses cross into the Promise Land but that he should charge Joshua with leading the Israelites across the Jordon into Canaan. Duet 3:27-28, (27) Go to the top of Pisgah and lift up your eyes to the west and north and south and east, and see it with your eyes, for you shall not cross over this Jordon. (28) But charge Joshua and encourage him and strengthen him; for he shall go across at the head of this people and he shall give them as an inheritance the land which you will see.
God’s word to Joshua was “Be strong!” Josh:6-7, and this is His Word to us today.
Joshua the slave - Joshua was born into slavery in Egypt and was given the name Hoshea, meaning “salvation”. Moses later changed it to Joshua which means “salvation”, which is the Hebrew name for “Jesus”. Growing up in Egypt, Joshua witnessed all the signs and wonders that God performed and knew that Jehovah was a God of power who would care for his people.
Joshua the soldier - The first official recorded act of Joshua in scripture is his military defeat of the Amalekites when they attacked Israel about two months after their exodus from Egypt. It has been speculated that Joshua was so successful in his first battle because he received early training with the Egyptian Army while in captivity but later turned down a military promotion so that he might identify with his people and server the Lord. (Possible but not documented in scripture) Remember that Moses had turned down a high position in Pharaoh’s palace even though he received his education there.
Joshua the servant – In Exodus 24:13, Joshua is called Moses’ servant. This meant that Joshua was now an official assistant to the leader of Israel. He accompanied Moses to Mount Sinai and went with him when he judged the people for making the golden calf. One of Joshua’s’ responsibilities was guarding a special tent that Moses had set up outside the camp to meet with God. Joshua was not only a soldier but also a worshiper and knew how to live in the presence of God. He was jealous not only for the glory of God but also the authority of Moses.
Joshua the spy - Joshua was chosen to be one of the twelve men sent in to spy out the land of Canaan. Joshua and Caleb reported back that Israel should trust God and go in and take possession of the land. The other ten spies said that Israel was not strong enough to overwhelm the enemy. Sadly, the people listened to the ten faithless spies. This unbelief that God could not meet their needs in overthrowing their enemies cost them forty years of wandering in the wilderness. Remember the name of Kadesh Barnea which was on the edge of the Promise Land where Israel doubted the power of God to fulfill what He had promised them and think of the years of blessings wasted because of the lack of faith.
Joshua the successor – Throughout the wilderness journey, God had been preparing Joshua for his ministry as successor to Moses. We find that God was not going to let Moses cross into the Promise Land but that he should charge Joshua with leading the Israelites across the Jordon into Canaan. Duet 3:27-28, (27) Go to the top of Pisgah and lift up your eyes to the west and north and south and east, and see it with your eyes, for you shall not cross over this Jordon. (28) But charge Joshua and encourage him and strengthen him; for he shall go across at the head of this people and he shall give them as an inheritance the land which you will see.
God’s word to Joshua was “Be strong!” Josh:6-7, and this is His Word to us today.
2 Comments:
Very Good, Pat! Keep up the great work. Look forward to more.
Pastor Robbie
Pastor Robbie
Dear Patrick, my dear brother. What an awesome testimony to God that He never gives up on us. God is using you now in such a positive manner in your church. May God continue to bless you, shower you with His grace, watch over and protect your family, and strengthen this walk with Him. I love you and am so proud of you.Love, Tricia
