Ever read something and then just think, “that’s it!? There is nothing else?”
Not going to lie, that was me when reviewing this change from Hosea to Joshua. In this story, Moses is sending one man from each tribe to scout Canaan before taking the land God promised, but the actual verses talk about this significant name change. Well, let me just show you.
“These are the names of the men Moses sent to explore the land.
(Moses gave Hoshea son of Nun the name Joshua).”
Numbers 13:16
Two sentences and one man's name is changed for the rest of his life. His legacy, altered, his purpose chosen, in two sentences.
Different resources tell us that his name could have been altered to protect him (kind of like a blessing) or to point to the fact that Moses was already planning on taking him under his wing, but for us today, it leaves a lot of questions. Isn’t that like God?
Throughout my life, I have constantly questioned God. I think it’s a normal consequence of our nature. We always want to know, to have control, and to be informed.
But God isn’t that forthcoming and honestly, looking at the craziness of this world from the existence of galaxies to the heartbreaking realities that are in each of our characters, I am glad I don’t know it all.
Just like Joshua at this moment, the most we can hope for is that in the confusion, the fog, and the changes, we continue to point to God.
You see, his name change, while small, meant something. It changed his name from “salvation” to “God is salvation.” It pointed back to God.
In this, God is showing that even the little changes, a few characters here or there, make a difference for His kingdom and for our legacy. That we don’t always have to know the reason behind His choices as long as we walk in faith.
After all, faith isn’t knowing all the answers. It’s trusting in something DESPITE not having the answers. A hard concept, but something God reminds us of time and time again.
So, what act of faith is God asking you to trust Him in? Is there a name change that needs to happen for you? A shift in your legacy and purpose?
Maybe, like me, you need to let go of control even if it feels like the changes in life aren’t fast enough or big enough.
I mean, look at Joshua, this was a big thing but there was no pomp and circumstance, just two lines! Yet God used Joshua to bring His people to the land He promised.
God, we ask that you open each of our hearts, first to your truth, then to accepting the faith you provide. God sometimes it’s hard to accept that we don’t, can’t, and never will know all that You do. Help us accept the place you have created for us in this world. Give us grace when we try to push against Your will and lead us to see the importance of the seemingly small changes You provide. We thank You God for all that you are. In Jesus's Name Amen.
If you haven’t accepted Jesus, use this as an opportunity to let him change you. If you have, let us know in the comments, what small change have you seen God make in your life that turned into so much more.
Heather is a contributing writer for Shaken & Stirred. She is a believer, a wife, and a mother to a wonderful (and sometimes crazy) toddler. She enjoys reading, playing video games, and listening to podcasts. She can usually be seen taking care of the home and playing on the floor with her daughter.