The first 12 chapters of the book of Joshua focus on the conquest of Canaan led by Joshua. It only takes a few minutes to read 12 chapters of the Bible, but we learn that the effort to conquer the Promised Land took a considerable amount of time.
Joshua made war a long time with all those kings (Joshua 11:18).
Moses had been the hero for a long time, but now it was Joshua’s turn to lead Israel.
After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’s assistant, saying,
“My servant Moses is dead. Now proceed to cross the Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the Israelites” (Joshua 1:1-2).
Joshua had watched Moses closely and learned from him through both good and bad times. Already a faithful servant of the Lord, Joshua was prepared and ready to lead the nation.
Anyone who has led an organization for any length of time knows how crucial a good succession plan is. The best plan is one that is authored and enabled by God.
I often say, “Until you have heard from God, you haven’t heard what you need to know.” In the area of leadership, this is a critical understanding.
Be Strong and Courageous
Joshua understood the difficulties of leading a nation. He had spent years with Moses, witnessing the struggles of war and the conflicts among the Israelites that needed resolution.
God assured Joshua that He would be with him, giving him the confidence to complete the task at hand.
“No one shall be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you.
Be strong and courageous, for you shall lead this people to possess the land that I swore to their ancestors to give them” (Joshua 1:5-6).
Few people have the responsibility of leading a nation from the wilderness to the promised land. Few get the chance to join with God in defeating enemies and achieving victory for their armies.
However, we all face big challenges and need to hear God’s words: He will be with us. All we need to do is stay with Him, showing our faith through courage and boldness.
Know and Do God’s Will
One major theme from the Old Testament is the crucial role of leaders. When leaders align with God and the nation follows, success is likely. But when leaders stray from God’s will and act on self-interest, the nation often suffers.
That’s why God told Joshua, as a leader, to fill his mind and heart with the Word of God.
“This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth; you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to act in accordance with all that is written in it.
For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall be successful” (Joshua 1:8).
Few people get the chance to lead a city, state, or nation. However, we can all lead someone, whether at work, at home, or in church.
The best way to be a great leader is to know and follow God’s will. We learn God’s will by immersing ourselves in the Bible.
We follow God’s will by saying yes to His teachings and acting in ways that align with His direction.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed this passage on YouTube today.
Real Voices 