Category: Joshua

In chapter one of this great book, Joshua is experiencing a major event in his life. His boss, mentor, spiritual leader, and best friend dies…Now what? He had thought about this day – planned and trained for it – and now it’s here. He’s in charge and he’s scared!

God is going to use Joshua to accomplish something that Moses was forbidden to do because of his sin of anger (Numbers 20). *Note: God is serious about our lack of control over anger (James 1:19). Joshua was to lead the children of Israel into the promised land. God makes Joshua a great promise in verse 5:
“No one will be able to stand up against you. I will be with you – just like you saw me be with Moses. I will never leave you – I will never forsake you.”

Then God gives Joshua very specific, very important instructions on leadership – great advice for all leaders to observe and practice:
– Be strong and courageous (v.6)
– Fear is paralyzing. Trust – don’t fear (2 Timothy 1:7)
– Carefully obey the Scriptures (v.7-8). Think about them, talk about them, follow them
– God’s Word keeps leaders heading in the right direction (Hebrews 4:12)
– Don’t be afraid or discouraged (v.9). Discouragement destroys leadership – look to God and keep going (Hebrews 12:2)

So how did our new leader do? Beginning in verse 10, we see that he does exactly what God told him to do, beginning a new chapter in the life of a new leader and God’s chosen people. This is going to be a great book – hold on for the ride of your life!

Remember:
God raises up and brings down leaders – it’s not you or your skill or your position; it’s the hand of God.
Leadership should be a treasured gift; develop it in a godly fashion. Everything rises and falls on leadership.
We lead by loving; no one cares what you know till they know that you care. Don’t trust your own intuition or wisdom; trust God and His Word (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Posted by: Tim Parsons