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

The call of Joshua to service (Joshua 1:1-18) is the story of how God chose Joshua to lead the Israelites after the death of Moses. God told him to be courageous and promised to be with him as He was with Moses. Joshua then led the people across the River Jordan into Canaan, the Promised Land.

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 significance of Joshua’s response to God’s call.

How did God call Joshua to lead Israel?

After the death of Moses, God called Joshua to take over the leadership of the people of Israel. It was Joshua who took them across the River Jordan to the Promised Land (Canaan).

God’s instruction to Joshua was to cross the Jordan and to select men from among the Israelites to be with him. He was also to be very courageous and not to fear.

God showed Himself to Joshua as the commander of the army of Israel. Joshua conquered many areas of the Promised Land.

How did Joshua succeed Moses?

When Moses was about to die, he appointed Joshua to succeed him. There was no leadership problem, because the people already knew their leader before the death of Moses.

What did God promise Joshua?

• God would give him all the land that the sole of his foot would tread.
• No man would be able to stand before him all the days of his life.
• God would be with him as He was with Moses.

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

1. God is not limited by circumstances, even when He has made a promise.
2. God wants us to trust Him for the accomplishment of any assignment He has given us.
3. God wants us to respond positively to His calls, because He who has called us is the only one who can help us.
4. God was not through with the Israelites even after the death of Moses.
5. With courage and faith in God, Joshua served the people successfully by leading them to conquer the Promised Land.
6. Joshua showed courage and faith in God when he advised his people to be faithful and loyal to God in a covenant renewal ceremony.

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?

Assignment

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