GRAPEVINE
A weekly spiritual insight, sharing a Bible verse paired with a thoughtful reflection to deepen your connection with God and illuminate His path for your life.
Thought for the week - 23rd July 2025
We are beginning a journey through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation.
This series offers a guided journey through the overarching story of the Bible - from the beginnings in Genesis to the promise of renewal in Revelation. Along the way, we’ll explore key themes, characters, and events that reveal God’s unfolding plan for His people and the world. Whether you’re new to the Bible or looking to deepen your understanding, this series helps bring the Scriptures to life, showing how all 66 books form one unified, hope-filled story of redemption.
The first five books of the Bible – Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy - tell of creation, God’s covenant with Israel, their deliverance from Egypt, and wilderness wanderings. Moses leads but dies before entering the Promised Land. As Joshua prepares to lead, Israel stands ready to claim God's promise and begin a new chapter of conquest.
The Book of Joshua marks a turning point in the biblical story - God’s promises to Abraham, made centuries earlier, begin to be fulfilled as Israel enters and takes possession of the Promised Land. Under the leadership of Joshua, Moses’ successor, the Israelites move from wandering to conquering, from promise to possession.
The book opens with God's charge to Joshua, calling him to be strong and courageous, for the Lord Himself would be with him (Joshua 1:9). Joshua’s leadership is rooted not in military brilliance but in obedience to God's Word. His task is not only to fight battles but to lead a people in faithful trust.
The first major event is the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River - God parts its waters, echoing the Red Sea miracle from Moses’ time. This act confirms Joshua’s leadership and reminds Israel of God's power and presence.
One of the most well-known stories in Joshua is the fall of Jericho. God delivers the city not through force, but through obedience to His unusual instructions: marching, trumpets, and shouts. Jericho’s fall symbolizes victory through faith. Another important figure is Rahab, the Canaanite prostitute who hides Israelite spies. Her faith and rescue not only show God’s mercy to outsiders, but also place her in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:5).
After Jericho, Israel experiences both defeat and success - defeat at Ai due to their disobedience, and then renewed victory when obedience is restored. Throughout the conquest, the emphasis is not on Israel’s strength, but on God's faithfulness.
Chapters 10-12 recount a series of regional campaigns, where Joshua leads the people to conquer the land. Then, in chapters 13–21, the land is divided among the twelve tribes, fulfilling God’s long-standing promise. Finally, Joshua gives his farewell address, urging the people to choose whom they will serve: the gods of the nations or the Lord who saved them (Joshua 24:15).
Theologically, Joshua highlights God's covenant faithfulness, His holiness in judgment, and the necessity of obedience. The conquest of Canaan, though troubling to modern readers, should be understood in light of God’s justice against long-standing sin and His sovereign right to give and take land.
Most importantly, Joshua points to Jesus. In fact, “Joshua” and “Jesus” are the same name in Hebrew (Yehoshua/Yeshua), meaning “The Lord saves.” Like Joshua, Jesus leads His people into the true Promised Land - not by sword, but by the cross. He conquers sin and death, and offers eternal rest to those who follow Him by faith.
Joshua reminds us that God keeps His promises, fights for His people, and calls us to courageous obedience.
Associate Minister, Revd Steve Turville
Keep up to date
Whether you are new to faith, exploring, or looking for a fresh start in your spiritual journey, we are delighted to welcome you. Our church is more than a building; it’s a community rooted in faith, love, and support, and we’re here to walk alongside you every step of the way.
Receive email updates
Join the community - Keep up to date!