Hot Takes are student-written reviews of relevant books (especially books in the library of the Bible), movies, video games, shows, events, technology, and anything interesting or important to students (13-17 years of age). Usually light-hearted, each piece is all about developing a Biblical worldview, increasing Biblical literacy, and supplementing student ministries.

Strap in, cause we’re about to take you on a wild ride through the ancient battlefields and mind-blowing adventures of the Bible’s very own action-packed saga: the Book of Joshua. This isn’t a Sunday school snooze-fest. It’s a full-blown, epic tale of courage, faith, and a God who’s playing 4D chess with the universe!

First up, meet Joshua – think of him as the ultimate spiritual warrior, a mix of a fearless general and a faith-fueled superhero.

In a personal pep talk to Joshua, God says,

“Here is what I am commanding you to do. Be strong and brave. Do not be afraid. Do not lose hope. I am the Lord your God. I will be with you everywhere you go.” -Joshua 1:9 (NIRV)

Joshua’s not just following in Moses’ giant footsteps; he’s carving out God’s path in a whole new way, leading the Israelites with the kind of grit and gusto that would make even the bravest warriors take notes.

Now, let’s talk about those legendary walls of Jericho.

Picture this: Joshua and his crew marching around this massive, impenetrable fortress. No battering rams, no siege towers, just pure, unadulterated faith. And then? Boom! Walls come crashing down like it’s divine demolition day. Joshua and his scribes captures the moment:

The priests blew the trumpets. As soon as the army heard the sound, they gave a loud shout. Then the wall fell down. Everyone charged straight in. So they took the city. -Joshua 6:20 (NIRV)

If that’s not epic, I don’t know what is!!! But, there’s more!

Enter Rahab, the real MVP, hiding Israelite spies like a boss.

She’s not your typical Bible character – she’s an anti-hero in her own right, showing that faith has no borders and courage comes in all forms. Her story in Joshua 2 is a testament to faith and trust in God, not to mention bravery against all odds.

And just when you think it’s all smooth sailing, BAM! The Israelites hit a snag.

A little disobedience leads to a major uh-oh moment. But here’s where it gets real: it’s also a story of bouncing back, of finding grace even when you mess up big time. Joshua reminds us, what God tells him…

“Go and set the people apart. Tell them, ‘Make yourselves pure. Get ready for tomorrow.'” -Joshua 7:13 (NIRV)

God deserves our best, not just today, but tomorrow and every day after – but it’s like the Apostle Peter says thousands of years later,

The God who chose you is holy. So you should be holy in all that you do. -1 Peter 1:15

Now, let’s talk endgame: the Promised Land.

It’s not just handed to them on a silver platter. The Israelites have to fight for it, tooth and nail, showing that the best victories are the ones you work hard for. And we can’t forget how Joshua stamps this book with an exclamation point, telling the whole nation to decide for themselves what they will think bout God and do because of that belief.

“But suppose you don’t want to serve Him. Then choose for yourselves right now whom you will serve. You can choose the gods your people served east of the Euphrates River. Or you can serve the gods of the Amorites. After all, you are living in their land. But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.” -Joshua 24:15 (NIRV)

In a nutshell, the Book of Joshua isn’t just an ancient text. It’s about trusting God when you’re scared, standing strong in your faith, and knowing that no matter how tough the battle, you’ve got a God who’s the ultimate on and off the battlefield. So, whether you’re a Bible rookie or just looking for some divine inspiration, check out Joshua’s story of faith, action, and some seriously epic moments.