Heart Prep:
Joshua 10 highlights God’s omnipotence—He intervened by throwing enemy armies into panic, defeated them with hailstones, and even made the sun stand still so Israel would have the necessary daylight to secure victory. Joshua’s deep faith in God was clearly evident as he trusted completely in God. He led Israel to move forward, fighting battle after battle despite strong opposition. Just as God defeated Israel’s physical enemies, He has ultimately conquered sin and darkness through Jesus Christ. This encourages us to walk by faith, fully confident in God’s mighty power. The promises of God never fail.
Message:
Israel needed to defeat many cities to claim the Promised Land. God continued to help them, just as He did at Jericho and Ai. When five kings joined forces against Israel, God reassured Joshua, promising victory. In the battle, God confused Israel’s enemies and even sent a hailstorm to defeat them as they fled. Joshua boldly asked God to make the sun stand still—and miraculously, it did, giving Israel extra daylight. God continued fighting for His people, enabling Joshua and the Israelites to conquer both the southern and northern regions. Eventually, Joshua divided the land among the tribes, fulfilling God’s promise and giving His people rest from war.
Main Point:
“God fought for Israel, and all their enemies were defeated. Jesus lived a sinless life and defeated our enemies—sin and death—when He died on the cross. If we believe in Him, we receive His righteousness.”
Discussion:
God told Joshua to not be afraid. Why was Joshua able to have courage?
God promised Joshua victory even before Israel fought against their enemies. God had made many promises to His people that had already come true. (Option: read Josh. 10:8.)
Are you facing a challenging situation? How can you trust God and not be afraid?
Just as God gave promises to Israel, He also gives us promises. The Bible teaches that everyone who trusts in Jesus is promised His presence forever. God went before Israel in battle, and He goes before us. We can trust God because He is faithful and does everything for His glory and our good. (Option: read Ps. 89:1.)
God’s plan to give Israel the land of Canaan was also a part of the promise to bless His people (Genesis 12:1-3). How was God going to ultimately bless His people?
God not only promised to give Abraham’s family the land of Canaan, but He also promised to bless the nations through Abraham’s family. Taking the land was ultimately a part of God’s promise to bring the promised Savior, Jesus, into the world. God’s faithfulness to work for our good and His glory is centered on His plan to save people through faith in Jesus. (Option: read Gal. 3:14.)
