Courageous Faith 

“It takes Courage to Stand with Christ”

Only in recent years has the name  Steve Saint rung any bells. Steve was the five year old son of Nate Saint, the missionary pilot who died alongside Jim Elliott and three other missionaries in 1956 at the hands of the Waodani(whoa-Donny) tribe in Ecuador.  At age nine, Steve returned to the Waodani territory for the first time.  As a young man, Mincaye (min-Ky-yee), one of the men who killed his father.  “ What the Waodani meant for evil, God used for good,” says Steve.

The stories of Elisabeth Elliot and Rachel Saint have long been associated with forgiveness.  What better picture of grace and mercy than that of a missionary widow and sister to return and  share good news with the very people who murdered their family members?  Perhaps there is no greater illustration of forgiveness than the forged relationship between a son and the tribal murderer who took his dad.  Here we see vividly illustrated the life-changing gospel of Jesus that Jim, Nate, and the other missionaries set out to share in the first place.

Jim Elliot wrote in his journal, “he is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.”

The apostle Paul wrote in his Letter to the Phillippians, “My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed about anything,   but that now as always with all boldness, Christ will be highly honored in my body, whether by life or by death.  For me, living is Christ and dying is gain” Phil 1:20-21

When choosing to stand with Jesus, the stakes are always high.  The question

Is not what you lose by standing with Him but what you will lose if you do not.

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Study and Discussion

The final chapter of Joshua is a continuation of the leader’s address that began in chapter 23.  It contains one of the most frequently reference verses about the family Josh 24:15 “...but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” and sets up Israel’s continued story as told in the Book of Judges.

Where as Moses, by God’s power, led the people out Egypt, Joshua led them into Canaan.  Both leaders endured hard seasons of wilderness wanderings, and in the end Joshua courageously claimed the prize that was promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Read the story  set in Joshua 24:1-13

Discuss:

1. What did God say about Himself to His people in this passage?

2. Why is it important to periodically be reminded of an historical account of God’s work in our lives?

3. What specific activity of God in the life of His people from Abraham to Joshua do you find particularly exciting?  What part of the Israelite story speaks most to you and why?

Then read Joshua 24:14-15, NIV

Then discuss

4. What do Joshua’s final words say about his own leadership of his home?

  5. Why was it important that Joshua speak for his entire house?

6. Knowing what you know about Joshua, do you think he would have carried out his commitment even if he were the only  one? Would you have done this act of courage?

Read Joshua 24:16-18

7. How did the people respond to Joshua’s call?

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Consider the God of the universe and His pronounced judgment on sin.  Consider

His love, that He would create an alternative to such punishment by the death of His own Son, Jesus.

Joshua contended the same.  The people were slaves in Egypt, and God sent a savior.  God blessed the Old Testament Israelites by giving them the land He promised.  And He blesses us by offering us the promise of eternal life if we will repent of our sins and place our total faith in His Son, Jesus.

If you have not settled this today, in the words of Nathan, “What is holding you back”  Make the choice to trust Christ today.  I can walk you through simple steps to trusting Christ. 

If you have trusted Christ for eternity, what is holding you back from boldly seizing opportunities to share the hope you have  with others?

It took courage for Joshua to stand with God despite the wickedness of the people, and it takes courage to stand with Christ today.  There are many faiths and religions out there, and Jesus said that if we stand for Him we will be rejected by the world.  But our strong witness for Christ will not only honor God but also draw the lost to salvation

In what ways does your family need to unapologetically take a stand for Christ? It may be as simple as, making church participation a priority.  Even over sports, clubs, any extra curricular activity.  It may be as deep and difficult as openly sharing Christ with a neighborhood family who is antagonistic to faith. 

If you are a mom or dad of older children, ask yourself if you have been a strong example of keeping Christ first before your children.  If not, isn’t it time  to step up and stand firm with Christ in your conversations? This may mean owning up to your part in allowing other things to prevent Christ from being first place in your home.  Pray for courage as you boldly share with your family the hope you have found in Jesus.