Hi there to all. Joshua; Encourages Every Second- Generation Leader Summary of the Book of Joshua Joshua represents and encourages every second- generation leader. He didn’t establish the free nation of Israel- Moses did. But Joshua succeeded Moses respectfully and naturally upon the latter’s death. He finished the work Moses could not complete and led the people of Israel to victory in the Promise Land. Joshua challenges us to lay hold of God promises and walk in His victory despite adversity. We learn a number of valuable lessons from this leader. First, Joshua remained submissive to the divine chain of care. he never once attempted to displace Moses’ leadership, even when had grown old and could no longer do what Joshua could do. Joshua waited until his time came, just as David waited for King Saul to leave the scene. Saul was killed then David became king. Second, Joshua learned to “let Moses die” and to be strong and courageous in his own style of leadership. At the onset of the book, God commands Joshua to take courage. “Moses my servant is dead,” God says to him. “Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them, the children of Israel {1; 2}. Joshua was a military leader, different from Moses’ diplomatic or reform leadership style. Somewhere, Joshua must have decided not to imitate Moses’ style, but to be himself. The timing could not have been more perfect. Joshua entered leadership in a season when Israel needed military leadership, not diplomatic leadership. Third, as a leader Joshua did “whatever it took.” He practiced the Law of Victory as much as anyone in his day, perhaps as much as anyone described in the Bible. His no- nonsense leadership style drove him to pay whatever price seemed necessary to get the job done. He courageously took ricks. He often questioned the people, asking things like, “How long will you neglect to go and possess the land which the Lord God of your fathers has given you?” {18; 3}. He simply couldn’t understand why they hesitated. Why didn’t they take the land God had promised them? This book is all about Israel moving in and settling the Promised Land. Although it took the Israelites many {and 21 full chapters} to do it, they finally possess all the real estate God had given them. And Joshua led the charge the whole way. God’s Role in Joshua During Moses’ day, God played the role of a patient father, waiting for new generation to mature so He could lead them into the Promised Land. By the time Joshua takes over, God speaks in a straightforward manner to Israel’s commanding officer. He has grown weary of His people’s disobedience, hesitance and complaints. He challenges Joshua not to swerve to the right or the left, but to do all that He commands. Joshua must compromise nothing, but fulfil everything. Clearly, we see the Lord lead in a new and appropriate style for the times. His people were entering a season in which they needed to act as a military unit, so bot God and Joshua provide direction in a military style. Leaders in Joshua. Joshua, Caleb, Achan. Other People of Influence in Joshua. Rahab, Eleazar the priest, the Gibeonites. Lessons in Leadership. • Difficult times demand a different style of leadership. • Good leaders help their people remember past blessings and divine victories. • Leaders must be willing to take risks and pay the pay the price; courage elicits commitment. • Compromise on your methods, but never on your convictions or principles. • Leaders cannot afford to be indecisive; they must give clear and specific directions. • God will work on behalf of leaders who surrender their hearts completely to Him. • Good leaders do whatever it takes to get the job done. Be blessed to be a blessing.
Posted on: Tue, 27 Jan 2015 02:26:48 +0000
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