Impact - Day 1

Day 1 – What’s in a name?

Numbers 13:16
Moses gave Hoshea son of Nun the name Joshua.

I’m regularly puzzled about how to respond when asked my name. My parents named me David and I sign or write David Ferguson. But when I introduce myself, I always say, “Hi, I’m Dave.” I don’t remember exactly when it started, but I know why “Dave” is the name I associate with most.

I have always revered my father. He was my childhood hero. In my eyes, he could do anything. He is kind, strong, and the sort of man I’ve hoped to be. Also, we share the special connection of being born on the same day in May. Somewhere along the way, he began calling me Dave while I was a young boy. So, I am Dave.

While it may seem like a minor moment or a throwaway line, Numbers 13:16 contains an essential introduction to the study of our main character for this series. Given the name Hoshea at birth, Moses, his mentor and hero, changes his name to Joshua.

The Hebrew name Hoshea means “salvation.” Wow. The pressure was on in a culture where parents selected aspirational names for their children. Don’t miss the context of Numbers 13. This is when Moses sends 12 spies into Canaan, hoping the time is right to enter the land. And what happens? Far from being the salvation of the Israelite nation, Hoshea’s lack of influence results in the opposite… desperate, nomadic wandering, the death of everyone over the age of 20 (Caleb and Joshua excepted), and a profound disappointment. Ya, right, Mr. Salvation.

The subtle renaming from Hoshea to Joshua is not just a name change; it's a profound shift in identity. This is the crux of our study. In his wisdom, Moses knows something his young understudy will need to learn. And we shouldn’t ignore it either. Joshua is the combination of two Hebrew words: Hoshea (salvation) and Yahweh (the Lord). It means “the Lord will save.” This is not just a name; it's a prophecy, a promise, a testament to the divine plan.

As Joshua leads the Israelites across the dried Jordan riverbed or seven laps around Jericho, lays claim to the promised land and disperses it to each tribe, we could be lured to undue admiration of this leader. We might be intimidated and back away from God’s calling on our own lives. But read the name of Joshua reminding you that it is the Lord who saves, and He will use anyone to do so. You are exactly what God needs to impact this world.

1. What does your name mean?
2. Have you ever felt pressure to accomplish something you aren’t capable of? What was that?
3. What potential impact is God talking to you about right now?