Learn from Joshua’s example how a father can influence his family and descendants. Read how he led his household to serve the Lord.
By Schalk Buys
Today it is becoming increasingly important to ensure that our children are safe and well-raised. It is the duty of parents to protect them; it is especially the duty of fathers.
Fathers, we must equip our children for the world and all it holds. But it is just as important to raise them in the truth of our faith. This is not just a command that has been given to us, but a way of protecting our children.
Paul teaches us that we should grow to maturity in faith, as we read in Ephesians 4:14. We must become spiritually mature—or, put differently, be educated in the faith—so that we are not “tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.”
To that end, we must sharpen ourselves in God’s Word. And so, we look to Joshua and his role as head of his household, and how he ensured that those who came after him would remain faithful to the Lord.
Background on Joshua
Joshua was the son of Nun. He succeeded Moses and led the people into the Promised Land. Before that, he was known as one of the twelve who were sent to scout the land of Canaan. Even then, we see his trust in God rather than human strength. Together with Caleb, he declared in faith that they would take possession of the land by God’s power—not their own (Numbers 14:6–9).
Under Joshua’s leadership, Israel crossed the Jordan River and began to conquer the Promised Land. He divided the territory among the twelve tribes and called the people to obey the Lord. We also see his integrity and reverence for God in how he dealt with Achan (Joshua 7:18–26).
Joshua’s confession and commitment
When we hear about Joshua, we often think of his well-known declaration in Joshua 24:14–15, especially the final words:
Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD.
Joshua’s confession is not only a warning and an appeal to the people—it is also a personal promise. He urges the people to be obedient and faithful to God, and then commits himself and his household to doing just that, even if others turn away.
Joshua takes responsibility as head of the household
Joshua, through faith in God, remains loyal to the Lord. He declares that he will ensure that his household (his family and descendants) will serve the Lord and remain faithful to Him. He assumes responsibility as head of his home, just as a father should today.
In Joshua 24:31, we see that Israel followed his example:
Israel served the Lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua …
Joshua’s example calls the people to faithfulness. Through his words and actions, he leads his neighbours and his nation toward God.
Joshua’s instruction comes from God
How was Joshua able to do all this? Where did he find the courage and insight to lead both his household and the nation? The answer lies with God Himself. We see this clearly in Joshua 1:7-9:
Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law… do not turn from it to the right or to the left… Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night… Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Joshua could lead his household and his people because the Lord enabled him. By meditating on the Lord’s law and living in close fellowship with God, Joshua was given the insight and strength needed to carry out his God-given task. The Lord gave Joshua the power to lead his house and the nation—and to be an example for them.
The lesson we learn from Joshua
This is why it is so important for us to reflect on the Lord’s Word and to meditate on it. We must live in relationship with the Lord. Not only will He give us the insight and strength to lead our homes by the gifts He provides, but also the ability to be an example—for our children, our community, our neighbours and our descendants.
