Joshua Leads

Today begins a series of lessons from the lives of some people in our own faith history. God has used each man and woman to advance his salvation story toward eternity. Some names are familiar. Others are vague or unknown to us. As we glimpse these very different people and God’s purpose for them, let’s pray we more fully know God’s power in us.
Joshua Leads
 
Joshua 24:15 “But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”
 
“JOSHUA” – or Yeshua –means “Jehovah (God) is our help” or “Jehovah the Savior.” It is the Hebrew form of the Greek name “Jesus”. As the Son of God lived in perfect harmony with the Father, Joshua’s life was a very personal experience with Jehovah God. Joshua was a warrior. He led Israel’s armies in battles throughout the Wilderness Journey, first recorded in Exodus 17. In Exodus 24 Joshua was as Moses’ disciple, going with the prophet to receive the Law and learning with him at the Place of Meeting. In addition, Joshua was a faithful scout. He is one of two spies to urge Israel into the Promised Land. Then Joshua is a conqueror as he succeeded Moses to lead Israel into and conquer the Promised Land. Serving the Lord, was indeed, his purpose. This I how he lived.  
    This service is the essence of his character. As he declared, “As for me and my household” we know Joshua’s service life began at home. His servant heart begins with his love for God, and he demonstrated that love in leading his children to know God. A vital military commander, Joshua even more was a focused household commander who followed God’s orders. He submitted to God as he served his family, Moses and the nation. In faith, Joshua rejoiced in Israel’s victories and mourned Israel’s sins. His steadfast life anchored a nation in transition.
    Serving God takes many forms. Most importantly it begins at home.
   
Psalms 2:11 Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling.