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“Now therefore fear the LORD and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness . . . . And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”¹

One can sense that Joshua is somewhat irked and frustrated with the people of Israel (God himself called them a stiff-necked people²). Leaders would relate to this instance; and learn a resolve when faced with the same predicament.

First, who is Joshua? He was the assistant to Moses, the son of Nun, and a young man.³ Initially known as Hoshea from the tribe of Ephraim.⁴ Later, Moses changes Hoshea’s name to Joshua,⁵ which means “The LORD is Salvation.” He was among those as chief of their tribe to spy the land of Canaan, the land that God promised to the people of Israel.⁶

Second, how old was he when he boldly declared and spoke in behalf of his family that they would serve the LORD? Some critical thinking is at hand. When was Joshua first mentioned in the OT? So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose for us men, and go out and fight with Amalek. . . . So Joshua did as Moses told him, . . . .⁷ Note, he had to be more than 20 years old to be considered as able to go to war;⁸ add some years of experience to lead; then add 40 years in the wilderness. Perhaps it would be safe to say, Joshua was 70++ years when the LORD instructed him to take over Moses’ leadership, as Moses had died.⁹ Now, when the LORD had given rest to Israel from all their surrounding enemies, Joshua was old and well advanced in years.¹⁰ Tradition says that he could have been 110 years old.

Third, why Joshua? He was a loyal attendant; with proven military skills and leadership; and was hungry for God’s presence—he would linger and would not depart from the Tent of Meeting.¹¹
Above all, he was God’s choice. Then the LORD said to Moses, “Write this as a memorial in a book and recite it in the ears of Joshua . . . .¹²

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.¹³ Is it any wonder that Joshua was so passionate for God? He was bathe in God’s presence, and constantly immersed in the Lord’s Word from youth until his old age.

Now an even more puzzling revelation. How old do you think were Joshua’s children when he declared, “But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD”? Did he first consider their position? As parents, at what age do we stop exposing them to the Word of God?