Good Bible Dads: Joshua

 Last week we learned about a super-righteous and loving dad, Job. This week we’ll see the same traits except wrapped in a courageous warrior. Who?

Joshua, son of Nun. 

He was Moses’ right-hand during the Exodus when the Israelites left. Joshua followed Moses up Mt. Sinai when he got the Ten Commandments.

He also wanted more of God. Moses had set up a tent where he would meet with God, and Joshua was part of that. It wasn’t enough, though.

“Inside the Tent of Meeting, the Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Afterward Moses would return to the camp, but the young man who assisted him, Joshua son of Nun, would remain behind in the Tent of Meeting.” Exodus 33:11

He would have his own conversations with God. Joshua was godly, not relying on Moses’ relationship with God but having his own as well. A lesson that simply taking your kids to church isn’t enough.

We have to be involved and live it out ourselves. Seeking God every day of the week. 

When it came time to survey the Promised Land, Joshua was one of the ones sent in out of twelve. They found strong armies and giants. This terrified all but two of them. But, they knew the God they served.

“Two of the men who had explored the land, Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, tore their clothing. They said to all the people of Israel, “The land we traveled through and explored is a wonderful land! And if the Lord is pleased with us, he will bring us safely into that land and give it to us. It is a rich land flowing with milk and honey. Do not rebel against the Lord, and don’t be afraid of the people of the land. They are only helpless prey to us! They have no protection, but the Lord is with us! Don’t be afraid of them!” Numbers 14:6-9

Because the entire encampment rebelled and refused to go in, God said, they will never see the land. So instead, they will die in the wilderness over the course of 40 years—all but two. 

“For the Lord had said of them, “They will all die in the wilderness.” Not one of them survived except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun.” Numbers 26:65

“The only exceptions are Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite and Joshua son of Nun, for they have wholeheartedly followed the Lord.'” Numbers 32:12

With all their being, they followed the Lord. Nothing would stop them. Honestly, they were the only ones who got to enter the Promised Land of the Egyptian generation. Not even Moses got to do that. 

You know, as I type this, I’m reminded how much of a good dude Caleb was too. 

He was 85 when he got his part of the land and took it over (Joshua 14:10-15). He gave his daughter land and springs of water as well (Joshua 15:13-19).

Back to Joshua. They took a land that still had a few of the Canaanites left. Their influence was still there, and it would cost them, as you’ll see in the book of Judges. 

When the temptation to stray from God surrounded them, Joshua stood firm and laid down this challenge.

“But if you refuse to serve the Lord , then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15

That’s the call dads should give to culture and society now. That’s why Joshua was a good Bible Dad. 

Which god will you serve? Money, position, ideology, power, nationalism, self, which one? As for my family and me, we will serve the Lord.

Will you say the same?