Taking the Land (Joshua 10-11)

Dear families,

The promises of God never fail. Indeed, as Joshua continued to lead the people, God’s promise to give them the land of Canaan came true. God’s intervention and faithful provision were unmistakable as He fought for the Israelites in every battle to take the Promised Land.

How do we see God’s omnipotence at work in today’s Bible passage? How do we see Joshua’s faith at work?

In Joshua 10, the Lord spoke directly to Joshua to instill comfort and confidence and to remind him that the Lord had already established victory for His people. God brought destruction on His enemies by throwing them into confusion, leading them to run away in panic, striking them down with hailstones, and causing the sun to stand still so His people could win the battle. Following this, even more armies rallied their forces against Israel. But God promised Joshua that all of Israel’s opponents would soon be killed (Joshua 11:6). God proved Himself all-powerful by intervening against the forces of both man and nature to grant His people victory in battle.

Joshua took God at His Word and faithfully fulfilled his role as Israel’s leader. Joshua moved in confident submission toward the things of the Lord and trusted in God’s promised deliverance. Scripture even tells us that on a day like no other, Joshua asked the Lord for the sun to be still, and God listened to His servant! Joshua trusted in God’s promise of victory and led the Israelites to do the same.

Consider what an act of faith it was for God’s people to fight each battle, one city at a time, trusting God’s promises despite the opposition ahead. The belief that God is all-powerful not only aided the Israelites in their mission to conquer the land; it also serves to encourage us as we live by faith and not by sight. God trampled over the Israelites’ flesh-and-blood enemies. He has likewise vanquished the powers of sin and darkness by sending His Son. Lead the boys and girls in your care to see the power of God who fights on our behalf and the love of His Son who died on the cross in our place and rose again.

Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION

This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

  • Babies & Toddlers: God sent Jesus who fights for us and helps us win the battle over sin and death.
  • Younger Preschool: God helped His people, and He helped us by sending Jesus. Jesus fought for us and gave us victory over sin and death.
  • Older Preschool: God fought for His people by saving them and giving them victory over their enemies. God saved sinners by sending His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross and rise again. Jesus gives us victory over sin and death.
  • Kids: God fought for Israel, and all their enemies were defeated. Jesuslived 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.

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER

This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.

  • Younger Preschool: Why can we trust God? We can trust God because He is faithful.
  • Older Preschool:Why can we trust God? We can trust God because He does what He says He will do.
  • Kids: Why can we trust God? We can trust God because He is faithful and does everything for His glory and our good.

KEY PASSAGE

This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.

  • Babies & Toddlers: The LORD is strong and mighty. Psalm 24:8
  • Younger Preschool: Who is the King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty. Psalm 24:8
  • Older Preschool: Who is this King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty. Psalm 24:8
  • Kids: Who is this King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle. Psalm 24:8

** Next week: Joshua’s Farewell (Joshua 23-24)