JOSHUA – THE SOLDIER-SAINT
INTRODUCTION: The star of today’s lesson is the son of Nun, successor to Moses, and author of the book bearing his name. There are several forms of Joshua, e.g., Jehoshua, Jeshua, Jesus. He is even called Hoshea (Deut. 32:44). “Joshua” is the Hebrew name that is the same as the Greek name Jesus, and means “Jehovah is salvation.” Joshua has been appropriately called, “The first soldier consecrated by sacred history.”
We will study this great man by considering him in the following roles:
AS A SON—
Joshua was the son of Nun (which means “prosperity, durable”) and of the tribe of Ephraim. We are not told anything of his mother, but one usually finds a good, gracious, charactered woman behind any man who reaches a position of influence and honor as a servant of God. There is every reason to believe that Joshua’s parents feared the God of Israel and that Joshua was a good son who followed their teaching. (See Pro. 22:6)
AS A SLAVE—
Joshua was already an adult when Israel came out of Egypt and thus had personally experienced the sufferings of slavery under Pharaoh. No doubt he could remember the sting of the whip and the wellnigh impossible tasks in the brick-fields. Little did he realize then as a slave that he would rise to become Israel’s supreme leader and military commander-in-chief.
Even worse than the slavery, Joshua had also witnessed the moral degradation of his country-men brought about by the terrible idolatries of Egypt in which they indulged. No doubt that experience had something to do with the solemn commands he gave the people many years later. (Josh 24: 15-25)
AS A SERVANT—
Joshua is referred to as “the servant of Moses”–Num 11 :28; Josh 1 :1. No doubt the second most important segment of his life (after his upbringing by godly parents) was his long and faithful service to Moses. Joshua’s unswerving loyalty and devotion to Moses was a significant part of his preparation for leadership. Before one can be effective as a leader, he must learn to be a good and loyal follower, submissive to authority. In his service to Moses, Joshua was a good example of some very important principles for adults as well as young people:
Be loyal to leaders. The late Dr. Bob Jones, Sr., used to say, “If you ain’t loyal, you ain’t nothing!” These leaders include parents, teachers, supervisors, Pastor, and mostof all, Christ!
Be faithful to the task at hand.
Do well the small tasks and the behind-the-scenes jobs. Do not expect to be given greater responsibility until you have proven dependable and effective at doing the small things!
AS A SPY—
Joshua was one of the twelve chosen to search out the land of Canaan (Num 13: 1-16). It was at this time that Moses changed his name from Oshea or Hoshea, which means “help,” to Joshua, meaning “God’s help,” or “salvation.” This is significant for it suggests that Moses was trying to lift the thoughts of the people Godward and to lead them to rely upon God’s help.
Along with Caleb, Joshua brought back a faithful report of the land and encouraged the people to go up and take it. Their stand pleased the Lord, and because of this, they were the only ones of the first generation allowed to go into the Promised Land. Sadly, the children of Israel rejected the true report and turned back from Kadesh-bamea in unbelief. [No doubt Joshua learned a lesson about committees from this experience, for, years later when he is in command, he only sent two men over to reconnoiter Jericho!] We learn from Joshua’s actions at Kadesh that we must 1) have faith in God, and, 2) be willing to stand for right regardless or what others may do or say.
AS A SOLDIER—
Joshua was one of the greatest military leaders of all time! He knew how to plan campaigns, discipline his troops, use spies, and, above all, pray and trust God. His strategies have been used in many modem military engagements and are still being studied in the war colleges. Read how he dis-comfited Amalek (Ex 17 :9-16) and note his devastating tactics against Ai (Josh 8).
It could be said of Joshua, “He was every inch a soldier and every inch a Christian.” Joshua was, above all, a good soldier of the Lord Whom he encountered and obeyed as Captain of the Lord’s host (Josh 5:13-15).
AS A SAVIOR—
Moses, representing the Law, brought the people to the border of the land, but it took a Joshua (God’s salvation) to take them into the land. He was probably about 85 years old when he assumed command at Shittim, and what a savior he was as he helped to roll away Israel’s reproach and to lead them to possess their possessions! His conquests and victories picture for us all that Christ has made available for believers today.
AS A SAINT—
Joshua’s saintliness marked him as the obvious successor to Moses (Deut 34:9). What a soldier-saint he was!
He was filled with the Spirit of God- Deut 34:9.
He enjoyed the presence of God – Josh 1 :5, 6:27.
He was indwelt by the Word of God – Josh 1 : 8.
He was obedient to the will of God – Num 32:12, Josh 5:14.
His example challenged others to serve God – Josh 24: 15.
No wonder his death at 110 years of age was deeply mourned and his outstanding service universally praised! His great spiritual influence outlived him, for Israel continued to serve the Lord all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua – Josh 24:3.