The Son of Nun

Joshua is famous in the Bible for being only one of two men along with Caleb to enter the promised land, while the rest of the Israelites who started in Egypt died in the desert (Numbers 14:27-38). Joshua was extraordinary simply put. Taking over for Moses, he became the leader of the Israelites and crossed into the promised land, then led numerous successful military campaigns under God's direction.  He remains to this day a model of courage, faith, and godliness.  A stud among spiritual studs.

But it's very interesting that a huge number of the references to him in the Bible are "Joshua son of Nun". And nowhere in the Bible is Nun referred to separately except as being Joshua's dad. So who is Nun? What made him such an amazing father that his son would have faith that could do more than move mountains, but actually pray to stop the sun and moon (Joshua 10:12-13)?

Usually children are known by their parents, "Hey, isn't that Old Man McGillicutty's boy over there?"  But Nun is known only by his son Joshua.

As a dad with a son, I'm really intrigued by Nun.  In the midst of a nation of whiners, grumblers, and rebels, Nun must have done something right to instill rock-solid faith in his child.

Only sparse information is available about Nun, but 1 Chronicles 7:26-29 has some interesting nuggets:

• He was of the Tribe of Ephraim  who was the offspring of Joseph.  There is a history and lineage in Nun's family of delivers, saviors (little "s") and Nun's son would carry the tradition.
• His ancestors' granted territory in the promised land and settlement included Bethel and Shechem.   This is modern day Jerusalem, only the very heart and center of worship for the world's three major religions.  You can tell a lot about the neighbors by neighborhood.  And Shechem is a swank as you can get on the spiritual real estate market.

There are some great lessons that speak powerfully to me from Nun:

1. Your greatest contribution to the world or the kingdom of God might not be your job, your "ministry", your bank account, or your mark on the world.  But instead, might be your child.  The years invested into raising that child to love Jesus have eternal ramifications.
2. People who aren't yet parents, or who will never be parents, have a similar opportunity through their spiritual children they disciple.  Paul often called Timothy  his "son" (Philippians 2:19-23 for example).  Your impact for the kingdom might not be epic missionary work, preaching to thousands, healing the masses, or walking out with big ticket items from God's Costco.  But what if your contribution to the kingdom was faithfully discipling one person who went on to be Joshua?  Wouldn't that be just as glorifying as the work of Joshua?  
3. Your greatest act of leadership in the kingdom, might be modeling and teaching true faith to one person who becomes a leader who then leads thousands.
4. God exercises sovereignty over His creation like potter over the clay.  Perhaps in His matchless wisdom He made you to be Joshua.  Or maybe He made you to be Nun.  Regardless, all glory goes to Him.
5. Nun himself didn't enter the promised land, only his son Joshua.  What shame did Nun feel as he turned back from the River Jordan, walked away from the promised land and back into the desert?  As both literal and spiritual parents, we all have failings, disappointments and sins.  Everybody has baggage with them (some can be carried on, others must be checked at the airport counter).  But despite our failing, God can still use our service to Him for eternal good.  No tool is wrecked beyond repair that the Master can't use to make a masterpiece.   I feel bad for Joshua who probably saw his dad die in the desert, knowing he never entered into the fullness of God's blessing and promise by covenant.  I grieve sometimes at the failings while raising my own son, but take comfort in the majesty of the Almighty who is bringing all of us to the true eternal promised land.  That by the blood of Jesus I won't be turned away from the land flowing with milk and honey.