After the death of Moses, God chose his assistant to lead the people of Israel to the Promised Land. Hosea was his name (Num. 13:8) until Moses changed it to Joshua (Num. 13:16) or Yeshua, the shortened form of Yehoshua which means Yahweh is salvation. This is the Hebrew equivalent to the Greek Name Ioseus (Jesus).

Major takeaway points from the life of Joshua—although he was the leader of the Israelite nation during the conquests (three major military campaigns involving more than 30 enemy armies), the Lord is the conqueror (Exod. 17:8-15; Num. 21, 31).

These life lessons were really ingrained in him and in all of Israel, that victory comes through faith in God and obedience to His word, rather than through military might and/or numerical strength. This is a pattern repeated throughout the history of Israel, and of application to us too in all our challenges of life—FAITH IN GOD AND OBEDIENCE TO HIS WORD (Psa. 20:7).

Church leader, G.O., Senior Pastor or whatever title you go by, what is your template for leading God’s flock, and what life lessons are you depositing in them? Eat and speak the word in strength and courage, wholly devoted to consistent meditation on the Word (Josh. 1:7-8). 

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. Joshua 1:8-9

What about the discipline of asking, Lord, what would You have me do? This is a must so we avoid the Gibeonite set-up (Josh. 9:3-27), that gave a home to those who should have been destroyed.

O man of God, be sober, be vigilant as the adversary multiplies “neighbour deceivers” that only the Lord can reveal. Shalom.



Pastor Afolabi Oladele