Leading by the Book
Joshua was appointed leader of the Israelites at a critical time. The only leader they’d ever known was dead—Moses, their deliverer from slavery; Moses, the miracle-worker; Moses, the Law-giver; Moses, the man who talked face-to-face with God; Moses, the intercessor whose prayers had more than once delivered them from God’s wrath. Talk about a hard act to follow! What man could possibly fill Moses’ shoes?
It gets worse. The circumstances surrounding Joshua’s transition to leadership were less than ideal. God was calling the nation to conquer and possess the Promised Land. After 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, the Israelites were going to war. So, how did Joshua respond when he became God’s “next man up”? There were military plans to draw. There were two million people to manage. He must have wondered if he was up to the job. Of course, in and of himself, Joshua wasn’t up for the job. And he knew it. God had to command him three times to “be strong and courageous”.
But how? How was Joshua to go about leading God’s people? In Joshua chapter 1, God makes clear that human talent and skill would not be Joshua’s key to success. Rather, God informs Joshua that the key to his success would be his faith—a faith demonstrated by his commitment to God’s Law. Calling Joshua to commit himself to God’s written word, Joshua 1:8 reads, This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
As leader of God’s people, Joshua was to know and speak God’s word to those he was accountable for. Why? Because God’s word is the ultimate source of all wisdom. God’s word brings life. Second, God commanded Joshua to not just read Scripture, but to continuously meditate on it. God’s word must be central to our thoughts and our actions. Learning to think God’s thoughts keep us from foolishness and sin (Psalm 119:11, 15-16). Finally, for the sake of God’s people, Joshua was commanded to “do” God’s word. Joshua was called to obey. So are we. Those who obey God’s truth not only escape much self-inflicted grief and pain—they bless those they lead and influence. God greatly uses those who obey his word.
Knowing God’s word; meditating on God’s word; obeying God’s word—this was the key to Joshua’s success as a God-appointed leader.
We all lead. We all influence others. If we will know God’s word, meditate on God’s word, and obey God’s word we will be blessed like Joshua was blessed. More than that, like God used Joshua, he will use us.