Day 11: The Fall of Jericho

"Do not let this Book of the Law depart from you mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.  Then you will be prosperous and successful."  Joshua 1:8



Main Character:  Joshua
Scripture:  Joshua 1:1-11; Joshua 6:1-20
Symbol:  Ram's Horn Trumpet

Our family attends many youth sporting events as a part of his work as a youth pastor.  We have students that attend schools all over the county:  public, private, Christian, and Hebrew.  At almost every event we attend, we witness the same thing - parents acting like children.  Isn't amazing how we preach good sportsmanship to our children and then yell at the referees or talk poorly about members of the other team?  What type of example does this set for our children?

This type of behavior also extends in other parts of our day to day life.  Do you stop to let someone pull out into a busy intersection?  Do you follow the speed limit or talk/text on your cell phone while driving?  Do you act responsibly when having alcohol?  Are you honest in all your dealings, both public and private?

I hope this does not come across as condemning.  It just is something to think about.  Our lesson today is all about setting a positive example.  The Israelites have just been wandering the desert for forty years after receiving the Torah at Mount Sinai.  Moses has passed away, and Joshua has just taken leadership.  By now, the Israelites should have been in the Promised Land.  They disobeyed God and were denied the gift of a home and place to rest.  After realizing their mistakes, God gave them the years of wandering to teach the next generation how to follow His commands so they could inherit the land that should have been their parents.

Joshua was an excellent choice of a leader for several reasons.  He had grown up following the positive leadership example of Moses.  He was also one of only two remaining people to have witnessed the plagues and the Exodus; he could truly remember what it was like to suffer.  Above all else, he was confident that God would deliver on his promises.

None of the Israelites doubted the selection of Joshua as a leader.  He had and would continue to set a positive example for the people.  Thanks to his leadership and trust, the Israelites were able to capture the city of Jericho from their enemies and inherit the Promised Land.

Ponder Points:

• Discuss with your children the power of setting a positive example.  What are some ways they can stand up for what they believe is right on a day to day basis?
• Has there been a time recently when you have set a bad example for your children?  Point out your mistake to them and apologize for what you did wrong.  You may just be amazed at how your children respond!
• By doing the right thing, Joshua was able to take the city of Jericho.  Try to think of a time when doing the right thing paid off.  Share your stories with one another.