Joshua was not only a man of action; he was a man who enjoyed a close relationship with God. Today we consider his fellowship with God and his faith in God.
Fellowship with God. At Sinai, he ventured nearer to the awesome presence of God than any other man apart from Moses himself. His quiet waiting during Moses’ long absence contrasted with the impatience of the people below. Possibly it was here that he developed an appetite to know God more intimately for himself. Certainly, when, following the idolatrous worship of the molten calf, Moses removed the Tent of meeting far outside the camp, Joshua did not depart from the Tent. It was for him not only the place of separation from evil but of fellowship with God.
Joshua knew what it was to pray. At Rephidim, he had himself benefited from the power of prayerful intercession. When therefore the leadership of Israel later fell to him, he readily made known his needs to God, whether for a definitive explanation in the wake of a shameful defeat, Josh. 7. 6-9, or for a dramatic intervention in advance of a thorough victory, 10. 12-14.
Faith in God. His name (originally Hoshea, ‘salvation’, Num. 13. 16) was given to him during the time of Israel’s severe bondage in Egypt. This suggests that, as in the case of Moses, his parents too had great faith in God. Joshua’s own faith was evidenced on many occasions; for example: (i) the expedition of the spies, Num. 13-14. Although, along with the 10 spies, he saw the strong fortresses which crowned the hills and the survivors of a giant race as high as the cedar and strong as the oak, Amos 2. 9, he was confident of certain victory because ‘the Lord is with us’; (ii) the crossing of the Jordan, Josh 3. Joshua directed the priests to venture into the river at a time when its banks were overflowed; (iii) the fall of Jericho, Josh. 6. At God’s command, he instructed the people to tackle the imposing city by a seemingly ridiculous method; cf Heb. 11. 30; (iv) the prolonged day. In response to ‘the voice of a man’, God extended the hours of sunlight – a testimony indeed to the power of the ‘prayer of faith’.
Lord, draw me nearer and strengthen my faith.
