A Faithful Farewell

This is not just a chapter about death. It is a salute the a leader’s faithful dedication.

Here are some questions to think about as we walk through the text:

What will be said when your assignment is complete?

What will your children, your co-workers, your church family say about your walk with God?

Will your name be linked to courageous faith?

Joshua 24:29–31 KJV 1900

29 And it came to pass after these things, that Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died, being an hundred and ten years old. 30 And they buried him in the border of his inheritance in Timnath-serah, which is in mount Ephraim, on the north side of the hill of Gaash. 31 And Israel served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that overlived Joshua, and which had known all the works of the Lord, that he had done for Israel.

Sermon Abstract: 

The final verses of Joshua remind us that even faithful leaders finish their assignments. We witness a godly servant’s farewell, his faithful stewardship of his legacy, and the enduring standard he established. Joshua’s life challenges us to serve well, pass the torch wisely, and continue walking in courageous faith after the leader is gone. Every believer is called to leave a legacy that points others to trust God beyond leadership transitions.

Introduction:

There’s something sacred about the farewell of a great leader, especially one who has changed the way we think, live, and love. In 2000, the world was introduced to a man whose story went far beyond Friday night lights. His name was Coach Herman Boone, the real-life head coach of T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria, Virginia, whose life inspired the powerful film Remember the Titans, starring Denzel Washington.

Coach Boone’s assignment was not just to win games. His calling was to bring together Black and White players, from different worlds and turn them into one team with a shared goal.

Coach Boone faced angry parents, divided locker rooms, and a community that doubted whether unity was even possible. But he possessed more than a playbook: he had conviction, courage, and a calling to lead with justice and strength. He didn’t just coach football: he coached character. He didn’t just demand discipline: he modeled dignity.

When he retired, the applause was not just about touchdowns. It was about transformation. Former players, many now fathers and grandfathers, stood to say, “Coach taught me how to be a man.” Teachers and neighbors wept, not just for a coach leaving the field, but for a mentor stepping off the stage. His farewell was powerful, not because of his fame, but because of his faithfulness.

Now take that image and carry it back to the ancient pages of Joshua 24. The man who succeeded Moses, the one who led Israel across rivers and through battles, has come to the end of his journey. Joshua is not giving one final command. He is giving one final confirmation that a life lived in obedience to God leaves a legacy that cannot be buried.

The closing verses of the book of Joshua, are not just an obituary, they chronicle a spiritual moment. This is more than a record of death; it is a call to legacy. Joshua, the faithful warrior, the bold leader, the courageous servant of the Lord, is laid to rest. But the question hanging in the air is not simply “Who’s next?” — it’s “What now?”

This farewell is not about nostalgia. It’s about next steps. Because here’s the truth: the real measure of a leader’s life is not seen at his arrival, but in what remains after his departure.

Joshua’s life spans from Egypt to Canaan. He was mentored by Moses, chosen by God, and trusted by a nation. He was there when the ten plagues overwhelmed Egypt, when the death angel rode through the nation at night, the Red Sea parted, Jordan River backed up, walls fell at Jericho and promises came to pass. And now that his work is finished, we are left to examine what his faith left behind.

The closing of this book forces us to ask some sobering questions:

What happens when the leader is gone?

What will your faith mean after your funeral?

What will the people who watched you say when your voice is no longer heard?

Joshua’s farewell teaches us three key truths:

We must be of faith in life: Servanthood

We must leave behind a of what God gave us: Stewardship

And we must set a that guides others after we are gone: Standards

So, today we gather not just to grieve the death of a great man, but to be challenged by the life of a faithful one.

And if you live right, serve strong, and walk with God, then when your farewell comes, your faith can still speak.

I. Servant of Faith (Joshua 24:29)

The book of Joshua begins and ends with a funeral (Joshua 1:1-2; 24:29-31). It opens with the passing of Moses and closes with the death of Joshua. But don’t miss the lesson; God buries His workers, but His work goes on. The death of this great leader does not signal the defeat of God’s people. No, it is a reminder that faithfulness is not being famous; it’s about being fruitful in your assignment until the Lord calls you home. 

A. Completed Service (Joshua 24:29a)

Joshua 24:29 KJV 1900

29 And it came to pass after these things, that Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died, being an hundred and ten years old.

The Bible says, “And it came to pass after these things….” this little phrase signals that Joshua had fulfilled the work God gave him to do. Joshua was not taken out in the middle of his assignment. He did not die with purpose unfulfilled. He completed what the Lord called him to accomplish. The things mentioned were the numerous conquests and accomplishments that Joshua was blessed to oversee during his lifetime. The text does not say how Joshua felt. It does not give us a eulogy with emotional fervor. It simply says, “after these things…”

After….

A lifetime of faith in God’s awesome power

Leading the people across Jordan River

Stacking up the memorial stones in the river and on the banks

Jericho’s walls came down.

Standing for God’s righteous judgment during Achan’s sin

The battle at AI

Conquering 31 kings and kingdoms

Lands have been divided

From slavery in Egypt, through the wandering in the wilderness, into battles across Canaan, Joshua remained faithful. He fought the enemies of God, led the people of God, and followed the will of God. The record of heaven testifies that he did not stop short. 

Real success isn’t reaching your goals, it’s completing God’s assignment. 

Joshua’s life shows us that faithfulness is finishing what God started in you without quitting when it gets hard. 

There is joy in knowing that when we walk with God and work for God, we can finish in peace. We may not get awards, but if we finish well, the God of glory will say, “Well done.” 

Cross References 

John 17:4 “4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.”

Philippians 1:6 “6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:”

Philippians 2:7–8 “7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

Acts 20:24 “24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.”

B. Celebrated Service (Joshua 24:29b) 

Joshua 24:29 KJV 1900

29 And it came to pass after these things, that Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died, being an hundred and ten years old.

Notice what the text does not say; it does not say Joshua the general, Joshua the warrior, Joshua the national hero. The text titles him “the servant of the Lord.” That is a blessed title. He started out as Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses (Exodus 24:13, 33:11; Numbers 11:28).

Joshua led well, because he learned first how to follow well. He followed Moses’ leadership faithfully, which later became his pattern for following the voice of God obediently. Moses is called “the servant of the Lord” sixteen times in the Old Testament. It marked his leadership, life, and legacy. And now that same title is bestowed upon Joshua.

The Hebrew word translated servant means, slave or to be under the complete control of another. Moses lived a life under God’s control and Joshua continued in the same vein. His life was not his own, but belonged to the God who continue doing miraculous things in the lives of His nation and people.

The only title that matters in the end is “Servant of the Lord.” 

Don’t die popular — die faithful.

May we stop trying to be a superstar and become satisfied being a servant of God.

Joshua lived 110 years. That number suggests more than the quantity of his life; it is the quality of his legacy. It is the exact lifespan of Joseph, the one who preserved Israel from famine in Egypt (Genesis 50:26); and it is ten years less than that of Moses, the one who liberated Israel from Egypt. 

Joshua’s death is a testimony of a life spent in obedience. He was born in slavery, raised in faith, tested in leadership, and died with a legacy of trust in God. 

God did not forget Joshua, and He won’t forget us. If we serve faithfully, God sees it, and will honor it. We may not have our name in the paper, but we will have it in the Lamb’s Book of Life (Revelation 3:5, 17:8, 20:15, 21:27). 

Joshua’s life is over, but his legacy is not. The land he fought for, the people he led, and the faith he lived are now in the hands of others. What happens next will reveal whether the people merely followed a man, or if they truly trusted God. 

Servant of God Well Done

Servant of God, well done! Rest from thy loved em­ploy; The bat­tle fought, the vic­to­ry won, Enter thy mas­ter’s joy.

Cross-References 

Numbers 27:18 “18 And the Lord said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him;”

Joshua 1:2 “2 Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.”

2 Timothy 4:7 “7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:”

Hebrews 11:32–34 “32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: 33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.”

II. Stewardship of Faith (Joshua 24:30)

Joshua’s death is not just a transition in leadership, it’s a moment of Spiritual transfer. The text moves from celebration of the servant to continuation of the stewardship. His burial in the land of his inheritance is not just geographical, it is theological. This verse reminds us that what we fight for in faith must be passed in faith. 

A. Place of Stewardship (Joshua 24:30a)

Joshua 24:30 KJV 1900

30 And they buried him in the border of his inheritance in Timnath-serah, which is in mount Ephraim, on the north side of the hill of Gaash.

This is a powerful image: Joshua, the leader who marched through Egypt, the wilderness, and into Canaan, is now laid to rest in the land he helped conquer. But that rest only came after everyone else had received their share. 

According to Joshua 19:49-51, Joshua received his inheritance last after all the other tribes had been settled. He waited patiently while everyone else received their portion. That is what real Spiritual leadership looks like; putting others before yourself and trusting God to remember you when it’s your turn. 

A true leader waits faithfully, while others are blessed, knowing their portion is on the way.

When you put God’s people first, God puts you exactly where you belong.

Joshua did not demand land as a payment for his service. He received it as a gift of grace from God. This was not a place owed to him, it was given to him as an inheritance because of the goodness of God.

His life is a portrait of humility, submission, and spiritual maturity. And by being buried in Timnathserah, the place God promised him, he shows us that the blessings we receive must be stewarded, not hoarded. 

Illustration:

It’s like a parent who feeds all the children first, makes sure everyone has what they need, and then quietly sits down to eat what remains. Joshua showed leadership by serving, not just by speaking. 

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 4:2 “2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”

Psalm 78:5–7 “5 For he established a testimony in Jacob, And appointed a law in Israel, Which he commanded our fathers, That they should make them known to their children: 6 That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; Who should arise and declare them to their children: 7 That they might set their hope in God, And not forget the works of God, But keep his commandments:”

Acts 20:28 “28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.”

B. Permanent Stewardship (Joshua 24:30b) 

Joshua 24:30 KJV 1900

30 And they buried him in the border of his inheritance in Timnath-serah, which is in mount Ephraim, on the north side of the hill of Gaash.

The detail is not just directional, it’s declarative. Joshua was not buried in a random place. he was buried in the territory that he received by faith and led by faith. His bones rested in the promise of God. That’s legacy and stewardship. - When you walk by faith, then you’ll rest as a testimony of God’s promises. - Legacy is not about how long you live, but how well you leave what God gave you. 

Joshua didn’t win land; he lived in faith and left a legacy behind for others. His grave marked more than his death; it marked the reality that God keeps His promises to faithful stewards. He stewarded a nation in life, and he stewards a testimony in death. 

Illustration: Think of a farmer who plants seed not just for his generation, but for the next. He tils the ground, waters the field, and walks away trusting that others will eat fruit. Joshua’s life planted faith, and his burial shows it was not in vain. 

Joshua may be gone, but the faith he modeled is still alive. The people now have a choice: to live by what he taught or drift into disobedience. Every generation must decide: Will we keep the standard, or fall away in apostasy? Cross-References 

Genesis 50:25 “25 And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, and ye shall carry up my bones from hence.”  

Hebrews 11:22 “22 By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.”

Psalm 37:18 “18 The Lord knoweth the days of the upright: And their inheritance shall be for ever.”

Ecclesiastes 7:1 “1 A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one’s birth.”

III. Standards of Faith (Joshua 24:31)

Joshua’s influence did not die with his body. His life set a standards, a spiritual measuring rod, for what faithfulness, obedience, and godly leadership should look like. The beauty of this text is that the people of Israel “serve the Lord,” not just during his lifetime, but also during the lifetime of those who were shaped by his leadership. 

This legacy leadership was not flashy or trendy; it was just faithful. Joshua’s life proves that when one person lives with courageous faith, an entire generation can be transformed. 

A. Standards Are Set in Life (Joshua 24:31)

Joshua 24:31 KJV 1900

31 And Israel served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that overlived Joshua, and which had known all the works of the Lord, that he had done for Israel.

Notice what the text says: “all the days of Joshua.” In other words, Joshua did not retire from being an example. From the moment he stepped on the scene in Exodus until his final breath, Joshua walked with integrity, led with courage, and believed God without apology. 

A life of faith leaves footprints that others can follow.

If your life points people to God, it will speak long after you’re gone. 

Joshua’s consistency is what made his life a standard. He didn’t waver, and he didn’t fluctuate based on feelings. From being a spy in Numbers 13 to being Moses’ servant in Exodus 33 to being the commander of God’s people in Joshua 1; he trusted God, spoke truth, and acted with boldness. 

Faith isn’t built in moments; it’s built in a lifetime of obedience. Joshua was not perfect, but he was consistent. And that consistency became a spiritual compass ofr the people of Israel. 

Think of a compass. It doesn’t shout, it doesn’t move fast, but it always points north. Joshua’s life always pointed the people back to the Lord. 

Cross-References

2 Timothy 2:2 “2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”

Proverbs 13:22 “22 A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: And the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.”

Judges 2:7 “7 And the people served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the Lord, that he did for Israel.”

Psalm 145:4 “4 One generation shall praise thy works to another, And shall declare thy mighty acts.”

B. Standards That Will Last After Death (Joshua 24:31b) 

Joshua 24:31 KJV 1900

31 And Israel served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that overlived Joshua, and which had known all the works of the Lord, that he had done for Israel.

Joshua’s life inspired them to follow God, long after his death. His life of faithful service and trust in God, prompted these men to continue the pattern he set forward. He had challenged them by his words, “Choose you this day, whom you will serve.” But he also laid the pattern for them in his life. Even after Joshua died, the elders who had walked with him kept the people grounded in truth. That means Joshua discipled others. He didn’t just lead them to battle; he led them in how to follow God. He left behind more than memories, he left a movement. 

— If your faith dies with you, it was never real leadership.

— A faithful life doesn’t fade away, it multiples in others. 

The Bible says these elders “had known all the works of the Lord.” They had seen God move. But they had also been taught to trust God. And that teaching started with Joshua. His impact stretched beyond his breath. 

Every believer is responsible for building faith that outlives them. We must not only model obedience, but also multiply it through intentional investment in others. 

Illustration

It’s like a torch in a relay race, you don’t win just because you run fast; you win because you pass the flame. Joshua passed the flame of faith to a new generation. 

Paul called the elders at Ephesus to mark the truth of his preaching. Then he urged Timothy to follow his pattern, noting that he had fought a good fight and finished his course.

Cross Reference 

2 Timothy 2:2 “2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”

Deuteronomy 6:6–7 “6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: 7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.”

Judges 2:7 “7 And the people served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the Lord, that he did for Israel.”

Psalm 78:4 “4 We will not hide them from their children, Shewing to the generation to come The praises of the Lord, and his strength, And his wonderful works that he hath done.”

Closing

Joshua died, but his faith did not. He was more than a leader, he was a legacy-builder. And now, the challenges come to us: will we be that kind of believer? The kind whose life becomes a standard for courageous faith?

Joshua’s story comes to an end—but God’s mission marches on. His life was a blueprint of obedience. His leadership was a blessing to Israel. And his death was a reminder that God buries His workers, but not His work.

He was a Servant of Faith, fulfilling his assignment with excellence. He left behind a Stewardship of Faith, showing us how to live humbly and leave a legacy. And he set a Standard of Faith, reminding us that real leadership builds faith that lasts beyond the leader’s lifetime.

Joshua didn’t just live well—he left well. And that raises the question for each of us: What will your farewell say about your faith?

If God called you home today, would your life be a legacy of courage? Have you taught anyone how to trust Him? Have you passed the faith to your children… to your coworkers… to your ministry team?

The Bible says, “Israel served the Lord all the days of Joshua…”—what a testimony! May it be said of us, "Springhill served the Lord all the days of her members… because they were faithful!"

Courageous faith doesn’t just live out loud, it leaves behind light for others to follow.

Invitation Hymn: “May the Work I’ve Done Speak for Me”

(New National Baptist Hymnal #463)

Verse: May the work I’ve done speak for me, May the work I’ve done speak for me; When I’m resting in my grave, and there’s nothing more to be said, May the work I’ve done, speak for me.

Let that be our prayer today—not just to live loud, but to leave light.

Not just to believe boldly, but to build believers. Not just to serve faithfully, but to finish fruitfully.

Altar Call: If you’ve never accepted the Lord Jesus Christ, today is your opportunity to begin a legacy of faith. If you’re saved but not serving, this is your moment to step back into courageous obedience. If you’re already walking with the Lord, ask yourself—who am I preparing to carry the flame after I’m gone?

Let’s stand and sing as we respond in faith.