For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
Right before the big challenge, Joshua meets a mysterious visitor — and learns who is really in charge.
Today's Story
Now that the Israelites were in the Promised Land, something special happened: the manna, the bread from heaven that God had sent every day for 40 years, finally stopped. Why? Because now they could eat the good food growing in the land God had given them! God had provided every single day, and now He provided in a new way.
One day, Joshua was near the city of Jericho when he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him, holding a sword! Joshua bravely asked, “Are you on our side, or our enemy's side?”
“Neither,” the man answered. “I am the commander of the Lord's army. I have come.” Joshua realized this was no ordinary soldier — this was a holy messenger from God! Joshua fell down to worship. “Take off your sandals,” the commander said, “for the place where you are standing is holy.”
Joshua learned an important lesson: the battle wasn't really HIS to win — it was GOD'S. God was the true commander, and He would lead them. We don't have to face our challenges alone or in our own strength. God goes before us, and the victory belongs to Him.
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- The manna stopped because God now provided food from the land. How does God provide for you in different ways?
- Joshua learned the battle belonged to GOD, not him. How does it help to know God goes before us?
- The commander said the ground was holy. What do you think it means that being near God makes a place special?