👉🏾👉🏾👉🏾The #Holy #Prophet #Joshua: Faithful Leader Chosen by God:( Commemorated on Sene 26)
Beloved children of the Holy Orthodox Church, peace be unto you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ! Today we turn our hearts and minds to a most radiant example among the prophets, the valiant and God-fearing Prophet Joshua, son of Nun. A disciple of Moses, a leader of Israel, and a mighty instrument of God’s judgment and mercy, we honor him on this sacred day of Sene 26, as taught by our Orthodox fathers through the remembrance found on the website of John the Repentant.
Let us not approach his memory lightly, but with reverence and awe, for the life of Joshua is no mere history it is prophecy in action, obedience in motion, and divine strength made visible.
1. The Humble Disciple of Moses
From his earliest days, Joshua was distinguished by one great virtue: obedience. He submitted his whole soul and will under the hand of the Prophet Moses. Like Elisha beneath Elijah’s mantle, so Joshua humbled himself beneath Moses’ staff. And because of this humility, the Spirit that rested upon Moses also came to rest upon him. Herein lies a divine mystery: obedience draws down the grace of God. The proud may speak with eloquence, but the obedient speak with the power of God.
And when Moses reposed in the Lord, God Himself appointed Joshua to be shepherd over His people, saying: "As I was with Moses, so will I be with thee; be strong and courageous." The Lord, who cannot lie, made Joshua His chosen vessel not because he sought power, but because he submitted to it in meekness.
2. The Conquest Begins: Faith and Strategy
Empowered by divine command, Joshua began the sacred conquest of Canaan. Like a general with heaven as his captain, he sent spies to Jericho. But let us notice: God, who can destroy with a breath, still works through preparation. And the spies, though in danger, found refuge with Rahab the harlot she who, by faith, became righteous and preserved the bloodline of the Messiah.
Through her faith, she sheltered God's servants, and in return, received the promise of salvation for herself and her household. Thus, from the first moment of Joshua’s leadership, grace and judgment walked side by side deliverance for the faithful, and destruction for the unrepentant.
3. Crossing the Jordan: A New Exodus
Just as Moses had parted the Red Sea, so Joshua, too, was confirmed by a miracle: he led the people across the Jordan. When the priests bearing the Ark stepped into the river, the waters drew back and stood as a wall. O the majesty of our God! He who created the waters commands them as His servants.
This crossing was not merely a geographical movement it was a new birth for the people of God. The Ark stood in the midst of the river as a sign: God is in the center of His people, and where His covenant is honored, all obstacles are removed.
4. The Fall of Jericho: Obedience that Shakes Walls
The most fortified city of the region, Jericho, stood as a symbol of earthly power. But Joshua, walking in obedience, followed the Lord’s instruction. For seven days they compassed the city with the Ark a seemingly foolish strategy in the eyes of men. But on the seventh day, the walls fell flat.
O what power there is in obedience! The might of human armies crumbles before a single command of God. And so Jericho was conquered, not by sword or spear, but by faith the faith of a prophet who trusted God's voice above human wisdom.
Continues 👇🏾