Joshua: Leader for the People

September 6, 2009

Background Scripture: Joshua 1
Lesson Passage: Joshua 1:1 – 11, 16, 17

The first chapter of the book of Joshua is short but yet powerful in its presentation of the qualities of successful leadership. It clearly presents those aspects of successful leadership that are essential. None of those things mentioned in this chapter are optional if a leader is to be successful. What is optional is what we sometimes consider the qualifications of a leader that we desire to see successful. Neither Joshua’s education background nor his prior experience as a leader is mentioned. Then what are those qualities of successful leadership? Our lesson today presents five qualities for our consideration.

First, there is a clear break and reconciliation with the past. The previous leader was no longer in the picture. The previous leader had completed his mission so that there was nothing left to be done to continue his work. The statement in the text is very clear, Moses is dead. Whatever Moses did, had been done and he would no longer lead this group. At this point, Joshua was Israel’s only leader and he was not competing with Moses for the job. Secondly, the present vision and mission was clearly presented as to what Joshua had to do as leader of Israel. Joshua did not have to figure out his mission. God gave it to him. Joshua had to lead the people into Canaan to possess it. Then he had to divide the inheritance among the twelve tribes of Israel. He was not told the details of how this would be accomplished but he knew exactly what had to be done under his leadership. Moses’ mission was to bring Israel out of Egypt unto Canaan (Exodus 3:7 – 10). Joshua’s mission was to bring Israel into Canaan and divide it among the tribes. Thirdly, the leader was given the assurance of success in carrying out the mission. God told Joshua that he had given Israel every place that his foot shall tread upon within the stated boundaries. Joshua was assured that he would divide the inheritance among the people. You cannot divide what you have not first possessed. The God-given responsibility to divide the inheritance is also the assurance that they will possess it. Also, a clearly stated mission that is supported by one who has all the necessary resources available to aid the leader gives assurance. Fourthly, the successful leader needs the proper role model. Joshua had one of the greatest leaders in Israel’s history for a mentor. Joshua could reflect on Moses’ success and know that it was Moses’ faith in the unfailing mercies and power of God that sustained him and made him successful. Finally, the successful leader needs loyalty from those that he will lead. Joshua received this without question. In fact, Israel’s two statements said it all. What you command us we will do. Where you send us we will go. And they also commended Joshua to the Lord’s care. All Joshua needed was to continue to have faith in God. History shows that he did and as a result, he was a successful leader of what I believe to be the greatest group of faith walkers presented in the bible. This group did and went as God directed them to through Joshua. As a result, flooded rivers moved out of their way, walls fell down when they shouted, and their enemies were driven out by hornets.

Robert C. Hudson
August 28, 2009