DAY 11
JOSHUA & THE BATTLE OF JERICHO
Here is what I am commanding you to do. Be strong and brave. Do not be afraid. Do not lose hope. I am the Lord your God. I will be with you everywhere you go.
-Joshua 1:9
REFLECT
After Moses’ death, God chose a new leader named Joshua to guide the Israelites. After forty years of wandering in the desert, the time had finally come for them to enter the Promised Land. But there was one problem: a large, fortified city called Jericho stood in their way.
God encouraged Joshua, saying, “Remember, your name means ‘The Lord saves.’ Follow My commands and obey Me, and I will be with you wherever you go.”
With faith in God’s promises, Joshua and the Israelites prepared to face Jericho. News of God’s mighty power had already spread, and the people of Jericho were terrified. In fear, they locked their gates and strengthened their walls.
But God had a unique plan for victory, one that didn’t involve swords or battering rams. He told the Israelites to march around Jericho once a day for six days. Seven priests carrying trumpets made from ram’s horns led the procession, while the rest of the people followed silently, saying nothing until Joshua gave the command.
On the seventh day, they marched around the city seven times. After the seventh lap, the priests blew their trumpets, and Joshua shouted, “Shout! For the Lord has given you the city!” The people lifted their voices in a mighty shout and the walls of Jericho collapsed! The Israelites entered and took the city, just as God had promised.
Through Joshua, God faithfully led His people into the land He had promised long ago. But this story also points to a greater leader, Jesus Christ, who would come to lead all who believe in Him to an eternal home in Heaven.
Until that day, Jesus gives us strength and courage to follow Him, just as God encouraged Joshua to be strong and brave long ago.
DISCUSSION
How can we be strong and brave like Joshua when we face challenges?
What do you think will happen if you trust and follow God like Joshua did?
FAMILY ACTIVITY
Have the kids build a city out of blocks. Then have them march around the table and reenact the story!
Here is what I am commanding you to do. Be strong and brave. Do not be afraid. Do not lose hope. I am the Lord your God. I will be with you everywhere you go.
-Joshua 1:9
REFLECT
After Moses’ death, God chose a new leader named Joshua to guide the Israelites. After forty years of wandering in the desert, the time had finally come for them to enter the Promised Land. But there was one problem: a large, fortified city called Jericho stood in their way.
God encouraged Joshua, saying, “Remember, your name means ‘The Lord saves.’ Follow My commands and obey Me, and I will be with you wherever you go.”
With faith in God’s promises, Joshua and the Israelites prepared to face Jericho. News of God’s mighty power had already spread, and the people of Jericho were terrified. In fear, they locked their gates and strengthened their walls.
But God had a unique plan for victory, one that didn’t involve swords or battering rams. He told the Israelites to march around Jericho once a day for six days. Seven priests carrying trumpets made from ram’s horns led the procession, while the rest of the people followed silently, saying nothing until Joshua gave the command.
On the seventh day, they marched around the city seven times. After the seventh lap, the priests blew their trumpets, and Joshua shouted, “Shout! For the Lord has given you the city!” The people lifted their voices in a mighty shout and the walls of Jericho collapsed! The Israelites entered and took the city, just as God had promised.
Through Joshua, God faithfully led His people into the land He had promised long ago. But this story also points to a greater leader, Jesus Christ, who would come to lead all who believe in Him to an eternal home in Heaven.
Until that day, Jesus gives us strength and courage to follow Him, just as God encouraged Joshua to be strong and brave long ago.
DISCUSSION
How can we be strong and brave like Joshua when we face challenges?
What do you think will happen if you trust and follow God like Joshua did?
FAMILY ACTIVITY
Have the kids build a city out of blocks. Then have them march around the table and reenact the story!