Last week, we viewed a very prominent statement called Jesus Saves. This Sunday, as we enter this sacred season of Lent—a time of reflection, repentance, and drawing near to the cross—we will journey together through a life who’s name literally means "Yahweh saves," echoing our Savior, Jesus;and his name is Joshua. Just as Joshua led God's people from wilderness wandering into promised rest, Christ leads us from sin's desert to resurrection victory. A few months ago, I promised a message on Joshua ahead of our Sight and Sound trip in August. Today, and over the next four Sundays leading to Easter dawn, we'll fulfill that in the spirit of Lent: glorifying Christ through Joshua's story. Obviously we can't cover all of Joshua’s journey with God, but we'll start with the heart of a true servant—Joshua's foundation, forged long before Moses' death.
I've seen in my own life how God prepares us in the wilderness seasons. Just not too many years ago, facing uncertainty in ministry, I clung to His timing, much like Joshua. It was trust in God’s word and love that kept me going. Lent invites us to do the same: trust Christ's saving work as we meditate on these truths of all of what God has done and continues to do. With Joshua's Preparation: From Wilderness to Warrior, Joshua wasn't thrusted into leadership overnight; God nurtured his servanthood over decades. Born in Egyptian bondage, he rose as Moses' faithful aide. At age 40, he spied out Canaan and stood alone in faith amid rebellion (Numbers 14:6-10). For 40 more years, he witnessed miracles—manna from heaven, the pillar of cloud by day and fire by night, and God's judgments on unbelief. > "And the Lord said to Moses, 'Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him... He shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall inquire for him by the judgment of the Urim before the Lord. At his word they shall go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he and all the people of Israel with him, even all the congregation.'" (Numbers 27:18, 21, ESV)
God predestined Joshua, even telling Moses he'd cross ahead in Jordan. If there was a resume for Joshua, it would say something like: spiritual discernment, wisdom, bold leadership, strength and courage rooted in God's presence, unwavering obedience, and no recorded failure. Joshua oversaw purity among the people—he *became* qualified through faithful service, not was qualified. Friends, in Lent, reflect: Are we letting God shape us like this, from bondage to battle-ready?
And then, after Moses' death, God's words to Joshua were rather difficult to absorb and rather abrupt and sovereign—no eulogy, just action: > "Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel." (Joshua 1:2, ESV)
Even amongst all the uncertainty, God's timing is perfect, far beyond ours. Joshua's servanthood began long before, but here it peaks. He commanded, and Israel obeyed. This mirrors Christ, who said:
> "The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:28, ESV)
In Lent, we fast from self-rule to embrace servanthood. Jesus modeled it perfectly—washing feet, facing accusers, cleansing the temple—always obeying the Father. And while we invest our time and love into servanthood, God paints a blueprint in our lives, like Joshua, which gives us a servants heart. Courage from His promise, strength from His Word, and boldness from His presence. These aren't optional; they're our path to promised rest in God. Here is three Pillars I would like express to you of a Servants Heart.
Courage Rooted in God's Promise
When Joshua was ordered to take control of the regions, he sent no spies before crossing Jordan—he trusted fully:> "Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses... No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you." With Courage, God’s word was enough. Despite what popular belief is, Courage isn't fearlessness; it's obedience despite fear. Jesus embodied this, facing spies and the cross with His Father's assurance. While in valleys—job loss, illness, doubt—claim this: Christ goes before you. Then we see Strength Fueled by God's Word.
Like Joshua, our battles demand more than willpower: > "Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them." Our strength should flow from God’s divine nature and spirit. We are reminded that Christs strength is perfected in our weakness. Strength flows from obedience as Scripture says: > "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." There is no misinterpretation here my friends. The Holy Bible, God’s holy words, is useless unless we apply it, use it and live by it period. Joshua did just that by meditating on God and His words.
Then we fold into the Boldness from God's Presence as God Himself told Joshua > "Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Take this to the bank—God's presence banishes doubt. As we walk Christ's way of the cross, pray: "Go before us through uncertainty." Joshua's victories foreshadow Easter triumph; Jesus declares victory over sin, death, and turmoil.
A servants heart! It’s a very liberating venture and paramount for every Christian. Like Joshua shined, Jesus commands it; we need to always live our lives to serve God in any capacity He allows us to do, and the question that can be asked today, how to apply it for today.
Many ways to Living It Out but here is a few:
- Daily: Meditate on Joshua 1—speak God's promises aloud.
- In Trials: Like Joshua's wilderness, learn to release fears, trust Christ's "It is finished."
- In Service: Serve humbly, as He served us first.
Like Joshua, you too can and will have the faith to walk and journey with God’s majestic love and presence. Through waiting, like Joshua with 40 years in the desert, God’s will and presence will be with you.
Joshua’s story started by being a faithful obedient servant. That’s where all if us needs to start. As we journey to Easter remember this > "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 1:3, ESV)
May Joshua's story ignite your fire and the glorifying Christ who saves all, Shape you using Gods blueprint that as we may live to serve, Christ, Gods only son, to fulfill Gods ultimate promise that all who call upon the name of the Lord will be saved. Amen.