RUSSELL SANDERS

10-14-2025

THE LIFE OF JOSHUA

LESSON 1

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There is much we can learn from the life of Joshua. He served in the wilderness for 40 years as Moses’ “minister” (Exodus 24:13). He was second in command under Moses’ leadership. A “minister” is one appointed to carry out orders or desires of the head who appointed him. He is the administrator of the work, details, or the policies. It is a position of both authority and duty.

Joshua’s position was also akin to an apprenticeship where he was being groomed for the top position as Moses’ eventual replacement. Preparation in such a manner is necessary for smooth transitions of leadership or any position of higher authority. This is why even in the secular world of employment it is needful to gain experience under one who has mastered the position.

The name Joshua means “Jah saves” or “Yah saves.” Jah (and Yah) is the name of Father God almighty. Jahovah is the name of the full trinity, usually written in English as Jehovah or Yahweh. (We add vowels of our choice because Hebrew has no vowels.) When we say “hallelujah” we are praising God the Father. “hallelu” means “praise” and “jah” is His name, so we are literally saying “praise God.”

Joshua’s very name then is a testimony to God’s saving power. In various parts of the Bible Joshua’s name is variously written as Jehoshua and Jehoshuah and Oshea (Numbers 13:8, 16).

Tomorrow we will begin to trace his life of service which extended over five or six decades. 

HELEN SANDERS

10-14-2025

THE SEED PART 16

JESUS PART 3

JESUS ASSURES JOHN THE BAPTIST

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As Jesus started his earthly ministry, he called twelve disciples to follow him. Many others joined but the twelve were the closest to him. Andrew, Peter’s brother had been a follower of John the Baptist; and would bring his brother Peter to Jesus. [John 1:40] Peter, James, and John would be the closest. 

John the Baptist had questions for Jesus. He knew he would be put to death for calling out Herod’s sin with his brother’s wife. He sent a messenger to Jesus and asked him in Luke 7:20b “Art thou he that should come? Or look we for another?” John needed to know if Jesus was the Messiah. Even though he had heard the voice of God speak that Jesus was God’s beloved son, he had uncertainties. 

Jesus answered them in verse 22b-23, “22…Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. 23 And blessed is he whosoever shall not be offended in me.”

The voice that announced “prepare ye the way of the Lord” would be put to death. When John was asked if he was the Messiah, he said no. His words in John 3:30 would come to pass. “He must increase, [speaking of Jesus as the Messiah] and I must decrease.”

John’s assignment was short, but he will always be remembered as the one that prepared the way of the Promised Seed.

Tomorrow we will see how the religious leaders hated Jesus because he did not fit their mold and plotted to kill him.