In this portion of God’s Word, we see the Israelites after they have dealt with their sin. By taking a look at this passage of God’s Word, we can learn how we can fulfill God’s purpose for our lives, even after we’ve sinned.

1.Remember God’s calling

Joshua 8:1-2, 1 Tim. 8-9, 1 Cor. 1:26-27, 7:17, Rom. 11:29

2.Listen and obey God

Joshua 8:3, John 14:15, 23, Luke 6:46, Rom. 12:1

3.Go ALL IN to glorify God

Joshua 8:3-29, 1:9, 2 Pet. 1:10-11, Rom. 8:38-39,

2 Tim. 1:7, Phil. 4:19

4.Live by God’s Word

Joshua 8:30-35, 1:8, 2 Tim. 3:16-17, Heb. 4:12, Matt. 4:4, James 1:22, Luke 11:27-28

Reflection Questions

1. Joshua could have gotten very discouraged after Israel’s sin, and given up on what God had called him to do back in chapter 1. However, in the first couple of verses in chapter 8, God reminds Joshua of what He called him to do back in chapter 1. God even uses the same words in chapter 8 as He used back in chapter 1. Take some time and go back in Joshua chapter 1 and read the first 9 verses. Now read Joshua 8:1. How do you think Joshua would have felt when he heard those words reiterated by the Lord?

2. Keeping your answer from question 1 in mind, how might God reminding you of what He called you to do, help you not to give up after failure? What can you put in your life to remind yourself of what God has called you to do?

3. Take some time and read over Joshua 8:3-29 and think about the plan that Joshua develops. It’s interesting that God doesn’t give him this plan. God’s only instructions are in Joshua 8:1-2, and don’t give any specifics on how they are to overcome Ai; only that they will. Joshua develops the battle plan to fight Ai, and it is apparent that he is going ALL IN! It would have been simple enough to go with all his men, and fight Ai in a normal battle, but that’s not what they do. Joshua’s plan involves strategy. It’s well thought out, almost over developed. Again, it is evident that Joshua is going ALL-IN to fulfill what God has called him to do. Take some time to ponder the thought process that Joshua had as he developed this battle plan. Afterwards, think about how you might develop a plan for your life to be ALL-IN to fulfill what God has called you to do.

4. What is your biggest take away about how this passage affects your life? What do you need to work on? Who can you share this with and ask you to keep you accountable to accomplishing this?