From Exodus 3 through Deuteronomy 34, The Bible focuses on the life & ministry of Moses. But now… things have changed for Israel with five simple words: “Moses, My servant, is dead.”

Israel is coming out of a 40-year period of wandering in the desert; along with much regret, sadness, and death. The community has mourned for Moses, but also hopes that they can have a “new beginning.”

The Book of Joshua will chronicle Israel as they follow their newly-appointed leader, Joshua, as they complete the task of conquering the Promised Land. But who is Joshua?

The Various Roles of Joshua 1.) Slave - A Slave in Egypt as a “Youth” 2.) Soldier - Led Israel’s 1 st battle (Ex. 17) 3.) Servant - Was Moses’ Aide/Minister 4.) Spy - 1 of 12 to survey the Promised Land, but only he & Caleb willing to fight 5.) Successor - Chosen by God & Moses

The “Name Game”  He’s originally named Hoshea, which means “Salvation”  Moses re-named him Joshua, (noted in Numbers 13:16) meaning “God is my Salvation”  The root name for Jesus and Joshua is the same Hebrew name… Yeshua

Joshua 1: 1-9 God’s calling, promises, and instructions to Joshua as he assumes leadership over Israel.

Deuteronomy 31: Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the L ORD swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. 8 The L ORD Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Joshua 1: The Israelite leaders respond to Joshua and God’s call to “begin again” in conquering the Promised Land.

Joshua 3 The miraculous crossing of the entire nation of Israel across the Jordan River, “mirroring” the Red Sea crossing with Moses.

The Jordan River at “flood stage” would be over a mile wide. The city of Adam (where the Jordan River was stopped miraculously) was about 20 miles upstream.

It’s important to note that it is the priests that lead the way, and must “get their feet wet.” This represents the truth that we often must take a step of faith first before God will do a miracle in our lives. “God’s promises are prods, not pillows.”

Joshua 4:14 “That day the L ORD exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they stood in awe of him all the days of his life, just as they had stood in awe of Moses.”

Joshua 5:1 “Now when all the Amorite kings west of the Jordan and all the Canaanite kings along the coast heard how the L ORD had dried up the Jordan before the Israelites until they had crossed over, their hearts melted in fear and they no longer had the courage to face the Israelites.”

From the comments of Moses, from God, from the Israelite leaders, and the response of the foreign kings; the theme of courage is pretty hard to miss, with its true source being God alone.

“Strong Lessons” from Joshua 1 & 3 1.) God’s promise to be with us and not forsake us runs through Scripture, but it is best fulfilled in Jesus Christ. 2.) If we want to truly obey & follow God, “meditating” on His Word will help us. 3.) The Saturday Challenge: “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the L ORD will do amazing things among you.” - Joshua 3:5