The Call of Joshua to Service – JSS1 Christian Religious Studies Lesson Note (Second Term)

The call of Joshua is the account in Joshua 1:1-18 of how God chose Joshua to lead the Israelites after the death of Moses.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Narrate the story of the call of Joshua to service.
2. State what God promised Joshua.
3. Explain how Joshua came to succeed Moses.
4. Mention the instructions God gave Joshua.
5. State the significance of Joshua’s response to God’s call.

Who was Joshua?

Joshua, son of Nun, was the assistant of Moses and the man God chose to lead Israel into Canaan.

• Assistant of Moses: he served Moses closely during the journey from Egypt.
• Army leader: he led Israel’s fighting men against the Amalekites (Exodus 17).
• One of the twelve spies: he and Caleb brought back a good report about Canaan (Numbers 13 and 14).
• Chosen successor: Moses laid hands on him before the people (Numbers 27:18-23).

How did God call Joshua to lead Israel?

God spoke to Joshua after the death of Moses and told him to lead the people across the River Jordan into Canaan, the Promised Land.

1. Moses, the servant of God, died.
2. God told Joshua to arise and cross the River Jordan with all the people.
3. God promised to give them the land He had promised their ancestors.
4. God told Joshua to be strong and courageous.
5. God told him to obey the Law of Moses and to meditate on it day and night.
6. Joshua ordered the officers to tell the people to prepare food for the journey.
7. Joshua reminded the tribes of Reuben, Gad and half of Manasseh of their promise to Moses.
8. The people promised to obey Joshua as they had obeyed Moses.

What happened in Joshua chapter 1?

Joshua chapter 1 has three parts: God’s call, Joshua’s orders to the officers, and the people’s reply.

What did God promise Joshua?

God made four main promises to Joshua when He called him.

• The land: God would give him every place the sole of his foot would tread.
• Victory: no man would be able to stand before him all the days of his life.
• His presence: God would be with him as He was with Moses.
• Faithfulness: God would not fail him or leave him.

What did God instruct Joshua to do?

God gave Joshua clear instructions for his work as leader.

• Cross the Jordan: he was to lead the people over the river into Canaan.
• Be courageous: he was told not to be afraid or discouraged.
• Obey the Law: he was not to turn to the right or to the left from the Law of Moses.
• Study the Law: the Book of the Law was to stay in his mouth, and he was to think on it day and night.

• Result of obedience: God said he would then prosper and have success.

How did Joshua succeed Moses?

Moses appointed Joshua as his successor before he died, so the people already knew their next leader.

• Public appointment: Moses laid hands on Joshua in front of the priest and the whole community.
• Training: Joshua had served under Moses for many years.
• No leadership quarrel: the people accepted him and promised to obey him as they had obeyed Moses.
• God’s confirmation: God Himself spoke to Joshua after the death of Moses.

What did Joshua do as leader of Israel?

Joshua led Israel across the Jordan and conquered many parts of Canaan.

• Crossing the Jordan: he led the people over the river into the Promised Land.
• Conquest: with God’s help, Israel took many areas of Canaan.
• Commander of the Lord’s army: this heavenly commander appeared to Joshua near Jericho (Joshua 5:13-15).
• Covenant renewal: Joshua urged the people to be faithful and loyal to God (Joshua 24).

What is the significance of Joshua’s response to God’s call?

Joshua’s response shows that God supports those He calls and that obedience, courage and faith bring success.

1. God is not limited by circumstances. He continued His plan for Israel after Moses died.
2. God wants us to trust Him to complete any assignment He gives us.
3. God wants us to answer His call willingly, because He who calls us is the one who helps us.
4. God was not finished with the Israelites even after the death of Moses.
5. With courage and faith in God, Joshua served the people well and led them into the Promised Land.
6. Joshua showed courage and faith when he advised his people to be faithful and loyal to God at the covenant renewal.

What lessons can we learn from the call of Joshua?

• Courage: we should face our duties without fear, trusting God.
• Obedience: we should follow God’s word in what we do.
• Preparation: Joshua’s years under Moses prepared him, so we should learn from our elders.
• Loyalty: we should support those in leadership, as the people supported Joshua.

Evaluation

1. Who took over the leadership of Israel after the death of Moses?
2. Which river did Joshua lead the Israelites across?
3. State two things God promised Joshua.
4. Why was there no leadership problem after the death of Moses?
5. Mention two instructions God gave Joshua.

Assignment

1. Narrate the story of the call of Joshua to service.
2. Mention two significances of Joshua’s response to God’s call.