Fruit of the Spirit – Day 5

Joshua, in the Old Testament, is a wonderful example of a servant of God who achieved incredible things. He fulfilled God’s purposes both for himself and for the people of Israel. His military achievements and spiritual successes were remarkable. Why did God use Joshua in these ways? What was so special about him?

Above all else, Joshua was a servant of God. Long before God called Joshua to lead Israel, he was ready, willing and able to serve the people of God, in whatever capacity he could. In Exodus 17, you can read the story of how, when the Amalekites came to fight Israel during their wilderness journey, Moses found a ready soldier in Joshua. Moses commanded Joshua to choose some men and lead the fight against the enemy. What would have made Joshua Moses’ choice of military leader? Joshua’s zeal and commitment to do the work of God was, doubtless, one of the deciding factors. Moses’ choice was not wrong. Without any complaints, Joshua joyfully and successfully completed the job assigned to him.

Joshua’s willingness to do God’s work is a sign of his servant heart. Servanthood does not mean sitting around waiting to be assigned a task, but doing whatever you can for the Lord, wherever you are. It means an active and zealous commitment to the things of God. It means being available for anything God would have you do, at any given time.