The Leadership of Joshua
Read Hebrews 11:30-31. These verses refer to Israel's entrance into the promised land (Joshua 1-6). Though Joshua's name is not listed in Hebrews 11, the Israelites entered the promised land under his leadership. Faith was demonstrated by Joshua, the Israelites he led, and even a prostitute named Rahab.

The Faith of Rahab
Rahab lived in Jericho, the first city in the promised land that God gave to the Israelites. The story of Rahab is recorded in Joshua 2:1-24 and 6:15-25. Rahab believed God's promise - that He would give the land to the Israelites (2:9). So she hid the Israelite spies who came to Jericho, and then helped them escape (2:4-7, 15). In return, when the Israelites destroyed Jericho, Rahab and her family were rescued (2:12-21; 6:17, 22-23), and Rahab lived among the Israelites (6:25).

In Matthew 1:5, Rahab is listed in the genealogy of Jesus, as the great-grandmother of David.

Crossing Barriers, By Faith

Read Joshua 1:1-3. The LORD told Joshua to be "strong and courageous" (1:6, 7, 9) and to know and obey God's written word (1:7). The LORD would be with them (1:5, 9). Joshua sent spies into Jericho, to look it over (2:1). (This is where the story of Rahab fits.)

Read Joshua 3:1-17. The Jordan River was a barrier between the people and the promised land. God said He would stop the flowing water so that the Israelites could cross on dry land (3:13). However, faith was needed.

Discussion Questions

1. The flowing water would not stop until the priests "set foot in the Jordan" (3:13, 15). They had to take the "step of faith" before God cleared the way. This is not what we typically want! How do we usually feel about stepping out in faith before everything is sure? Explain.

2. Do you think the priests' step of faith was "blind faith?" Do you think the Bible ever promotes "blind faith?" Explain.

The priests carried the "ark of the covenant" into the river. The ark symbolized the presence of God. In a sense, the LORD went with the priests into the river, and the people followed the LORD (3:3-4, 11-13). God's presence made the difference. Likewise, we step out in faith with God's presence and guidance.

3. The Israelites needed to cross the river "by faith" in order to enter the promised land. What is the "risk" of stepping out in faith? What is the "risk" of not stepping out in faith? As a Christian, what have you learned about stepping out in faith before you had all of the answers?

4. Joshua chose men to gather stones from the middle of the river, and then build a memorial on the west side of the river (4:1-7). Read Joshua 4:20-24. What was the purpose of this memorial? Whom would it benefit? What types of "memorials" can we use today to remind us, and our descendents, of God's work in our lives?

Felling Walls, By Faith

Read Joshua 6:1-5. The LORD told Joshua how Jericho would be delivered into their hands. As a military strategy, it sounds ridiculous. But Joshua followed God's instructions (6:6-20).

"When the trumpets sounded, the people shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the people gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so every many charged straight in, and they took the city." (Joshua 6:20, NIV)

5. Even today, God's ways of accomplishing things may seem ineffective (or even ridiculous) relative to the ideas and methods of the world. What can we learn from the Jericho story? How might this apply today? Can you think of examples?

"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does." (2 Cor. 10:3)

Reflection/Application

† As a non-Christian, are you thinking about "crossing the river" - I mean, receiving Christ as your Savior and Lord? Are you reluctant because you still don't have all the answers? There are some things you will never know or experience until after you take the step of faith.

† As a Christian, do you believe God wants you to do something, but you are afraid to take the first step of faith? Are you waiting for everything to clear up before you step out? Maybe you need to take the step of faith now. Commit this to prayer. If God so leads, "step into the river" by faith.