The life and leadership of Joshua provide a metaphor for the Christian journey following baptism, a path marked by spiritual warfare, growth, and trust in God.

The Gibeonites' subterfuge succeeded because Israel's leaders, including Joshua, failed to check in with God, and in time, that failure cost them dearly.

The Gibeonites' pretense of coming from a distant land resulted in their slavery. Yet, through their influence, they contributed to Israel's destruction.

Israel's conquest of Canaan under Joshua can be a metaphor for the journey from baptism to entering God's kingdom, especially for the second generation.

One major incident involving the blowing of trumpets occurred at the outset of Israel's incursion into Canaan, when God brought down the walls of Jericho.

Joshua's deeds were demonstrations of God's power. Joshua charged the leaders to remain courageous, love God and His Law, and serving Him with all their heart and soul.

Not only did Israel cross the Red Sea on the Last Day of Unleavened Bread, but it was also when Jericho's walls fell and when Jesus healed the lame man.

When we yield to God, He no longer holds us accountable for the misdeeds of our ancestors. His mercy comes on those who love Him and keep His commandments.

As Joshua felt fearful at assuming leadership, most men also feel the same trepidation, but God Almighty has placed in their DNA the ability to lead.

God displaced the Amorites because they had defiled the land; not one righteous person existed. Israel was warned not to defile themselves with demonism.

The disastrous defeat at the city of Ai and the ill-advised treaty with the Gibeonites were both the direct result of not consulting with God.

An overlooked prophecy in Matthew 3:7-9 refers to the stones placed in the Jordan River by the priests in Joshua's time, inscribed with the law of God.

We must learn the lessons of godly leadership now because our positions in the Kingdom will require their use. Society demonstrates a lack of personal leadership.

The last chapters in Numbers describe a lengthy holding pattern in which not much seemed to happen. We must have patience as we wait for the Kingdom of God.

Our goal shouldn't merely be to be saved, but to finish the spiritual journey God has prepared for us, developing the leadership to help those who follow.