Introduction

This will be the final sermon from the book of Joshua, the conclusion of a journey that began with Israel east of the Jordan in the land of Moab; now it comes to an end with three burials in the Promised Land. Three tombstones reminding us that we are but pilgrims in this world and there is a funeral waiting for us all.

For a book that is meant to strengthen faith in God and encourage obedience, these graves seem to be a disappointing end. Particularly in light of the other events that have been narrated (e.g., frightened Canaanites, miraculous river crossings, walls falling down, hailstones from the sky, battle victory after battle victory).

On the back of victory and commitments to obedience (see Joshua 23:1 – 24:33), we are expecting to read that everyone lived happily ever after. Isn’t that how a good story is meant to end? Well, maybe that is actually what we find in a certain sense. Joshua lived to be 110 years old—that is a good ripe age, the same age as Joseph and just 10 years short of Moses. If long life was a sign of God’s blessing, then Joshua’s years certainly are a happy ending. The statement that Israel served the Lord all the days of Joshua and the of the elders who outlived him is also very positive.

But then comes the sad reality. The break with fables, myths, and legends. Because there is death for Joshua and death for Eleazar. Yes, they are buried in the Promised Land, but ultimately what good is that? If service to God only ever ends in death, does it really matter where your bones are buried? We will come back to that question, but first we should focus on the two positives from these graves and see how they tie the whole book together.

The faithfulness of God and the service of his people

• Explain how the graves testify to God’s faithfulness.

• Explain how the statements about Joshua and Israel testify to works of service.

• Explain how these two themes have appeared throughout the book and are thus an appropriate conclusion.

The hope of resurrection

• Consider the question of death and the influence it has on whether or not we consider it worth serving God in the present.

• Explain why Joseph’s bones are mentioned.

• Explain why we are right to understand that Joseph had hope in a resurrection—mention the New Testament and the Old Testament evidence.

• Apply: given the hope of resurrection, serving God in the present makes sense.

• Explain why we can have hope of resurrection, focusing on what Christ came to do.

Conclusion

In light of God’s faithfulness to us, in light of the resurrection, an inheritance in glory—let us commit to serving the Lord morning to evening, Monday to Sunday, every day of our lives. God is worthy, and he is glorious. May his Spirit help us to do the good works that he has prepared for us.