Worship in Joshua

The book of Joshua is full of stories that captivate readers for many reasons. Although Joshua might make a good mini-series on TV, there is another reason it stands out that one might not think about, worship. Joshua is full of stories about worship and its impact on our lives and we are going to explore those today. 

One aspect that Joshua highlights is that Scripture is the foundation for trust, obedience, and worship. Though Joshua’s experiences affirmed God’s faithfulness, it was the Scriptures that provided the guidance for his leadership and life of worship. By meditating on them and obeying the Scriptures at that time, the law of Moses, Joshua set a precedent for future generations to worship and follow God. Joshua 1:1-9 teaches us that a life centered on Scripture is essential for living in trust and obedience, ensuring that all we do is for God’s glory, which is worship. Therefore, reading and meditating on the Scripture is an act of worship. 

The stories in the book of Joshua vividly portray worship as a matter of life and death. Rahab’s faith and obedience portray how trust in God’s word leads to salvation and blessing. Achan on the other hand, following his disobedience, shows the devastating consequences of failing to trust and obey. Joshua’s final speech to the people calls the Israelites to worship God by trusting in His promises, obeying His commands, and rejecting idolatry that surrounded them. Worship is more than a  ritual done once a week in a church building. Worship is a whole-hearted response to God’s character and works, aligning one’s life with Scripture. By choosing to love, trust and obey the Lord, we worship Him. 

In chapter 5, memorials are set up in the present to remember the past and to be a reminder for the future people. These memorials act as testimonies. Testimony is an act of worship as it serves three purposes: To remind of the past, to encourage the present, and to warn and instruct the future. Testimonies of God and His acts propel others into worship and serve to encourage worship presently and in the future.