The Leadership of Joshua
Tom Moore
It is impressive to note the great influence that Joshua had with those of his generation (Joshua 24:29-31). Of course, much of that influence was due to God being with him and doing many “great works.” Such as the parting of the Jordan River, the fall of Jericho, the day the sun and moon stood still. But credit must also be given to Joshua, for from the very beginning the promise of God’s support was based upon Joshua’s faithful obedience to the Word of God (Joshua 1:1-9). Though God would be with Joshua all the way - there was still things Joshua had to do. He had to be strong, brave and obedient.
Joshua therefore stands as an example of what it takes to be a great leader. Every generation needs good leadership, especially in times of struggle and doubt. We need godly men who will qualify themselves and be willing to shepherd the Lord's flock - to be elders. We need faithful men who are willing to be servants - who will take on the work of a deacon. We need men who love the church enough to be leaders! For those who lead, or who might one day serve as leaders, Joshua serves as a role model! For those who follow, he serves as an example of what we should look for in our leaders, or what we need to become. In this article, we shall consider more closely those qualities of Joshua that served to make him the great leader that he was, so that we know what to expect in those who would lead today.
Joshua was a man of humility. Before he was a leader, he was willing to serve. For forty years he served under Moses in the Wilderness. He was known as “Moses’ minister” (Exodus 24:13), and “his servant” (Exodus 33:11). Great leaders are people who have no problem with serving others if that is their lot in life; indeed, it helps prepare to them to lead. Even as a leader he was willing to serve. Joshua served even though he had been magnified by the Lord Himself (Joshua 3:7; 4:14). The son of Nun was still willing to serve One greater than himself (Joshua 5:13-15). Great leaders do not let praise go to their head - they are humble enough to know when it is time to serve once again.
Joshua was a man of faith and trust in God. This was demonstrated when he was sent to spy out the land of Canaan. Ten of the twelve spies demonstrated their lack of faith in God by their report .(Numbers13:25-28). But despite the “peer pressure” he must have felt, Joshua (along with Caleb) demonstrated his faith in God by his report (Numbers 14:6-9). Joshua’s faith and trust in God was demonstrated in the fall of Jericho. The Lord gave him the instructions to take the city (Joshua 6:1-5). Only full trust and faith in the Lord could have led Joshua to follow such instructions (Hebrews 11:30). Great leaders realize they cannot place their faith in men (including themselves); they must look to God!
Joshua was a man of God’s word. His success was directly related to his adherence to the word of God. To ensure success, he had to be obedient to the Law (Joshua 1:7) To ensure that he did, he was to meditate upon the Law day and night (Joshua 1:8). We see that Joshua was true to the God’s word in reminding the two and half tribes of their responsibility (Joshua 1:12-15), and in renewing the covenant at Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim (Joshua 8:30-35). A summary of Joshua's devotion is found in Joshua 11:15, “As the LORD had commanded Moses his servant, so Moses commanded Joshua, and so Joshua did. He left nothing undone of all that the LORD had commanded Moses.” Even at the end of his life, he encouraged the nation to heed God’s Word (Joshua 23:6,14-16). Faith comes from the Word of God (Romans 10:17), so we really can’t expect one to be a man of faith without being a man of God’s Word. For those who would lead, they need to heed the charge God gave Joshua (Joshua 1:8), which is similar to the charge Paul gave Timothy (1Timothy 4:13-16).
Joshua was a man of prayer. We see him praying for the people following the defeat at Ai (Joshua 7:6- 9). In which he and the elders pleaded with God in behalf of Israel. We see Joshua praying in the midst of warfare as Israel is routing the kings of the south (Joshua 10:9-14). Trusting not in their own strength, he looks to the Lord for help, Who causes the sun and moon to stand still. If Joshua had not been a man of prayer, the aid of the Lord would not have been provided. Leaders need all the help they can get, so they must to be men of prayer!
Joshua was a man who put God first. Joshua put God first even in the middle of a military campaign (Joshua 8:30-35). Even though this mentality gave their enemies time to join together in opposition (Joshua 9:1-2), Joshua still put God first and kept His commandment concerning the blessings and cursings. Joshua cared not what others might do or think, he and his would serve the Lord (Joshua 24:14-15). His strong stand influenced others for good (Joshua 24:16).
Leaders, be like Joshua!
