Life … In a Nutshell

April 22, 2008

By Greg Ebie

Think about Joshua’s life. He grew up in Egypt as a Hebrew slave; Joshua knew what it was like to cry out to God for relief and wonder if God even cared. But then God sent Moses to deliver Israel from the bondage of the Egyptians. Joshua watched as God poured out judgment upon Egypt and delivered His people.

Joshua was there at the Red Sea when Egypt’s army tried to force the Israelites back into slavery. God made a way for His people through the sea and drowned the Egyptians who pursued them. Joshua was at Mount Sinai when God gave Israel the Law; he watched as the tabernacle was constructed.

When Israel finally came to the Jordan River, Joshua was chosen as one of 12 spies to go into the Promised Land and bring back a report. Israel refused to believe Joshua and Caleb’s faith-filled report and instead believed the bad report of the other 10 spies. They refused to go up and take possession of the land. Joshua had to wander in the wilderness and wait 40 years until that generation died leaving only him and Caleb. During those years Joshua served beside Moses. At the end of the wilderness years and after Moses’ death, God established Joshua as Israel’s leader. Joshua led Israel into the Promised Land.

Joshua watched as the walls of Jericho came tumbling down. Time and again God gave Joshua and the nation of Israel victory over much stronger nations stronger. Little by little Israel took possession of the Promised Land until they finally could live in peace.

Joshua knew his days were coming to an end. He called all Israel to meet with him. What would Joshua’s final words be as he reflected over the events of his life? What legacy would he want to pass down?

"Now, vigilantly guard your souls: Love God, your God" (Joshua 23:11, The Message).

A long and victorious life that all boiled down to one principle you can live by: Keep God first in your heart. With God as our first love all the other issues of life will fall in line. Protect your soul from being led astray. God alone will keep you safe as you keep Him first.

— D. Greg Ebie is senior pastor of Praise Assembly of God in Garrettsville, Ohio, and an author of Daily Bread devotionals.