Joshua

When I read the story of Joshua, I wonder what helped shape him into one of the most courageous men in the Bible.  Before Joshua went with twelve other spies to scout out the land that God had promised Israel, Moses changed his name from Hoshea , which means salvation,  to Yehoshua (Joshua), which means God’s salvation, or God saves.  I think believing that “God saves” is the foundation of Joshua’s great courage.

Joshua first experienced God’s salvation when he was freed from slavery out of Egypt.  Joshua went on to witness the terror of the Egyptian army closing-in on him and his people and then the miracle of the Red Sea parting and being saved from destruction as they crossed on dry land.

Then, when Joshua and the spies returned from their scouting trip, an angry mob was about to stone him and Caleb for their truthful account and for claiming that the land was theirs with God on their side.  God’s glory flooded the meeting tent, and once again, God saved him.

God continued to save Joshua and the people of Israel and used Joshua as a mighty military leader and as the new leader of Israel after Moses’s death.  When Joshua took his last breath after a full and courageous life, God saved him eternally. 

God’s salvation wasn’t just a strong belief for Joshua, it was a way of life.  Living wasn’t about surviving - it was about being free to live courageously.  How do we gain the freedom to live courageously?  Knowing and believing that God’s power alone saves us and saves others gives us the freedom to live courageously.

“Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” Joshua 1:9.  God named His very own son the Hebrew name “Joshua” – translated into Greek, “Jesus” who is our strong and courageous leader. 

I’ve always liked the name Josh.  So much so, that we named our fourth child Joshua Allan Brown.  Josh was very sick after he was born and had some life-threatening moments in the hospital.  Desperation set in when I started to realize that I couldn’t save Josh.  An even worse nightmare hit us when doctors said that they didn’t think they could save him either.  The doctors’ discouragement didn’t leave much doubt when Josh started to turn a corner and get better --- God saved him.  God saved him then, God saves him now, and God will save him forever.  Not me.  I am free to live and let my children live courageously.  Thank you, God!

- Jill Brown