Day 45 – Joshua: Character sketch of Joshua

“Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:8-9 NLT

Joshua was a brilliant military leader and a strong spiritual influence. But the key to his success was his submission to God. When God spoke, Joshua listened. God led, and Joshua followed. As a result, Israel remained faithful to God throughout Joshua’s lifetime.

Strengths and accomplishments

We first met Joshua as Moses’s young assistant who became his successor. He led the Israelites to the promise of God. Though he was a brilliant military strategist, he was faithful in asking God’s direction in his challenges.

Noble fact

Joshua was one of only two leaders who trusted God to deliver the Promised Land to His people

Life lessons from Joshua’s story

Effective leadership is often the product of good preparation and encouragement. The person (or mentor) after whom we pattern ourselves will have a definite effect on the way we live our lives. A person committed to God provides the best model to follow as we learn to follow Jesus as He commanded.

Prayer: Father, thank You for giving us Joshua and all we could learn from him. His devotion, leadership, and love for You and Israel. Thank You that we can see the foreshadowing of Jesus in the book of Joshua and his life and that we can be encouraged and know that You are committed to Your people, covenant and promises. Amen.