Lessons of Faith from Joshua - Sabbath School Lesson 14 - Thursday
Finishing Well
Read: Joshua 24:29–33; 2 Timothy 4:7 (NKJV)
The final verses of the book of Joshua are quiet, almost understated—but they are heavy with meaning. They record the death of Joshua, the burial of Joseph’s bones, and the passing of Eleazar the priest. On the surface, these words look backward, closing the chapter on a remarkable generation of leaders. Yet they also look forward, pointing to the future of God’s people and the legacy that faithful obedience leaves behind.
Joshua 24:29–33 reminds us that a life devoted to God does not end in chaos or regret, but in testimony. Joshua dies as “the servant of the Lord,” the same title once given to Moses. This is no small honor. It tells us how heaven assessed Joshua’s life—not by his military victories alone, but by his faithfulness. The people bury him in the land God promised, a visible reminder that God keeps His word. Then Joseph’s bones are laid to rest in Shechem, fulfilling a promise made centuries earlier (Gen. 50:24–25). God’s faithfulness stretches across generations, and Joshua’s life stands as a bridge between promise and fulfillment.
These verses also look forward. Israel will now live without Joshua’s visible leadership. The question looming over the text is clear: Will the people continue to serve the Lord when the leader is gone? Scripture answers by noting that Israel served the Lord throughout the days of the elders who outlived Joshua—those who had personally witnessed the works of God. This shows that finishing well is not only about personal faithfulness but about passing on a living faith to others.
Joshua, like the apostle Paul centuries later, could look back without shame. Paul’s words echo Joshua’s legacy: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7, NKJV). Both men understood that faithfulness over time—not a dramatic beginning or a strong middle—was the true measure of success.
So what was the key to Joshua’s success?
First, Joshua made a settled decision to serve the Lord fully. His famous declaration—“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Josh. 24:15, NKJV)—was not a slogan but a lifelong commitment. He chose obedience even when it was costly or unpopular.
Second, Joshua anchored his leadership in God’s Word. He did not invent new truths; he clung to revealed truth. Again and again, he reminded Israel of what God had said and done. His confidence came from trusting God’s promises rather than his own strength.
Third, Joshua persevered to the end. He did not drift spiritually in old age or relax his devotion once the land was largely conquered. He finished as he began—dependent on God and committed to His ways.
The question now turns toward us. Finishing well does not happen by accident. It is shaped by daily, deliberate choices. What decisions do you need to make today in order to finish with the same assurance of salvation?
You may need to reaffirm your commitment to Christ, not just in words but in priorities. You may need to lay aside habits, distractions, or compromises that slowly erode faith. You may need to invest intentionally in others—children, family members, fellow believers—so that your faith does not end with you. Above all, you must decide to keep trusting God, even when the race feels long and the finish line seems distant.
Finishing well means living today with eternity in view. It means choosing faithfulness over convenience, obedience over comfort, and perseverance over quitting. When that choice is made again and again, by God’s grace, the end of the race can be faced with peace rather than fear.
Prayer
Lord God,
Thank You for the example of Joshua, a servant who followed You faithfully from beginning to end. Thank You that You are a God who keeps promises across generations. Teach me to live with the end in mind. Help me to make wise, obedient choices today that honor You and strengthen my faith. Give me endurance when I grow weary, courage when obedience is hard, and humility to rely fully on Your grace. May I finish my race with joy, confidence, and assurance, keeping the faith until the end.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
More: You Were There!- Sabbath School Lesson 13 - The Lessons of Faith from Joshua
Sabbath School Quarterly Online: The Lessons of Faith from Joshua
See Next Quarter's Lesson Here: Christ in Philippians and Colossians
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