September 4, 2022
Joshua
One of my favorite guys in the Bible has always been Joshua. He was truly one of the greats!! Someday, I’m going to write a book about him.
Yet, one thing that’s important to remember about Joshua is that he didn’t become one of the most incredible men in the Bible overnight. Long before God told him to be “strong and courageous,” decades before the walls of Jericho fell, or he led the children of Israel to finally enter the Promised Land, Joshua was ride or die for God. His story doesn’t start in the book that carries his name. Instead, it begins in Exodus.
In Exodus, we see that Joshua’s first title wasn’t “leader.” It was “Moses’ aide.” “Then Moses set out with Joshua his aide” (Exodus 24:13, NIV)
Numbers 11:28 tells us that Joshua was Moses’ aide since his youth. Basically, he was Moses’ assistant. Where Moses went, he went. When Moses needed help, he was the one who gave it.
Even when Moses went to Mt. Sinai, Joshua was there. (Exodus 24:13)
When they came down from the mountain, and the people had built the golden calf, Joshua was with Moses. (Joshua 32:17)
In Exodus 17:8-16, Joshua led the Israelites in battle under the direction of Moses.
Exodus 33:7-11 tells us that Joshua even went with Moses to meet God in the Tent of Meeting.
Numbers 13 shows us that Joshua was one of the twelve men sent to spy out the Promised Land. He was one of only two who said, “Let’s do it, ride or die.” When the people refused, Joshua continued serving as Moses’ aid for the next forty years.
The amazing thing about Joshua is that he didn’t see his time as an “aide” as a waste. Instead, with a ride or die attitude toward God and Moses, he took full advantage of the opportunity. He learned from every experience. Exodus 33:11 tells us that he lingered in the presence of God—developing his own deep, personal relationship.
He wasn’t just filling time—he was allowing God to prepare him for the day when he would graduate from Moses’ aide to Moses’ successor.
In this area, we can all learn from Joshua. Too often, we fall into the trap of waiting for the “big promotion,” the title, the prestige. We feel like we are just filling time until we get our shot.
Yet, a true ride or die man of God serves faithfully at every level and in every circumstance.
We serve loyally. We are trustworthy. We are diligent and learn all we can from every situation. Most of all, we don’t rely on others for our relationship with God, but we are constantly developing and strengthening our spiritual lives.
Whether we are the “aide” or the “leader,” we are wholeheartedly committed to fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives—ride or die.
By: Jamie Holden, Mantour Ministries
Today’s Scripture: The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent. (Exodus 33:11)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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