INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF JOSHUAJoshua, the sixth book of the Bible, covers the period from the death of Moses to the conquest of the Promised Land. The beginning of the conquest was in 1406 B.C., forty years after the Exodus. The conquest lasted seven years, until 1399 B.C. A new generation of God's people were trained by God in faith and obedience. The historical fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs and to Moses occurs in this book in very dramatic fashion. There are three sections: 1. Entering the Promised Land (1:1-5:12) 2. Conquering the Promised Land (5:13-12:24) 3. Dividing the Promised Land (13:1-24:33) In part one, Joshua accepts his call and demonstrates his faith in God as he led the nation. The Israelites reaffirmed their commitment to God. They were committed to obey him and follow him into battle to possess the land. In part two, Joshua and his army fought from city to city, as God brought them into their inheritance. In part three, Joshua urged the Israelites to always follow the Lord and to love and worship him exclusively if they were ever going to find rest from war and take root in the land. The teaching of this book is very applicable to us today. There are amazing accounts of courage, born of peoples' faith in God. The conquest involved faith, obedience, love for God and dependence on God, who faithfully led his people to victory and into their inheritance. Every believer today can find hope and encouragement in Joshua.
THE CALL TO 'GET READY'
1. God issued the call to get ready (1-15)
The Israelites were poised to enter the Promised Land. God appointed Joshua as their leader. He told Joshua and the nation to get ready. Despite the impossibility of leading millions of Israelites into the Promised Land, God had a plan. Joshua could get ready by hearing God's call (1,2); holding onto his promises (3-4); trusting in God's protection (5); determining to be strong and courageous (6-7a); obeying the word of God (7b); meditating on God's word (8) and embracing the call practically (10-15).
2. Getting ready brings unity (16-18)
The Israelites had rallied around the Lord and his chosen leader. A spirit of unity grew among them. When people answer the call to "get ready", God works powerfully and draws them together. He will keep them unified and their hearts impassioned.
Application: Lord, help me to hold onto your word and your promises. Help me to be strong and courageous so that through me, your name may be glorified.
One Word: Answer the call to get ready