Today we begin a new series looking at the major Old Testament book of Joshua. It’s a story of faith, of courage, of leadership, but also of a real human being, who has spent decades as Moses’ understudy and is awed by the responsibility.
Joshua’s story begins a lot further back than most of us realise. It’s common in big films and series nowadays to construct ‘origin stories’ that tell us where this super-hero or criminal mastermind came from. Usually this is a brilliant way to persuade us to part with more of our hard-earned cash, as we watch the ‘prequel’ to the apparently endless sequels! But, in the case of Joshua, it’s really useful to spend a few days reflecting on his life before the book that bears his name.
Joshua does in fact appear right near the start of the famous Exodus narrative. God’s people have only recently left Egypt and have begun their wanderings in the desert. They have already complained (a lot!), and God has patiently and miraculously provided for them: with manna to eat and water to drink. But now they face a further threat: having fled the Egyptians they are now attacked by another people, the Amalekites (v8).
Moses commissions a group to defend the Israelites, and he asks Joshua to lead them (v9) – this is the first time we encounter Joshua, fully 40 years before he takes on the major role that would define him: that of leading God’s people into the Promised Land. The fact that Moses asks Joshua suggests that he is already identified as one of the ‘senior team’ around Moses – and sure enough, Joshua leads the rearguard action and is victorious.
We may find the frequent fighting in Joshua’s life off-putting, and we’ll reflect more on this as the story develops. But today, let’s direct our gaze towards what is happening away from the battlefield. What makes this story remarkable is how the author indicates that what determines the outcome of the battle is not what is going on ‘down here’ but ‘up there’. Moses keeps his arms aloft in prayer and worship, and all the time he does so, the Israelites prevail. When his arms drop in fatigue, the Amalekites get the upper hand (v11).
It is a great reminder of how vital it is to soak our lives in prayer. Whatever challenges we face, prayer forms a key part of our ‘defence’. But even if you feel overawed by Moses’ mighty effort, perhaps you can identify with Aaron and Hur – their role was practical but no less important: they held up Moses’ arms when he was too tired to lift them himself. I love the fact that Aaron and Hur are named in this story: in the kingdom of God, everyone gets to play; everyone’s part is valuable.
Who could you support this week? In prayer, yes – but perhaps also in a Hur-like practical way. ‘The battle belongs to the Lord’ – but we all have our part to play, too.