How can Joshua's leadership in Joshua 10:25 inspire our own spiritual leadership today? “Do not be afraid or discouraged,” Joshua said. “Be strong and courageous, for the LORD will do this to all the enemies you fight.” The Setting of Joshua 10:25 • Five Amorite kings have been subdued. • Israel’s leaders place their feet on the necks of these kings—a prophetic sign of God’s total victory (cf. Deuteronomy 11:24). • Joshua addresses his officers, not the defeated kings, modeling how a leader disciples the next generation even in moments of triumph. What We See in Joshua’s Leadership • Steadfast Courage – “Do not be afraid or discouraged.” – Echoes God’s prior charge to him (Joshua 1:9) and passes that same courage to others. • God-Centered Confidence – “For the LORD will do this…” – Victory is attributed to God alone (Psalm 44:3). • Forward-Looking Vision – “…to all the enemies you fight.” – Joshua sets expectation for ongoing victories, not just the one at hand (Philippians 1:6). • Vocal Encouragement – He speaks life in the camp; words shape morale (Proverbs 18:21). • Shared Authority – Invites officers to place their feet on enemy necks, teaching them to walk in the same authority (Luke 10:19). Translating Joshua’s Example into Today’s Spiritual Leadership • Speak Courage, Not Fear – Remind those you lead of God’s promises (Isaiah 41:10). – Replace anxious talk with faith-filled declarations (Ephesians 4:29). • Keep God at the Center – Celebrate victories as the Lord’s doing (1 Corinthians 15:10). – Refuse to own the glory that belongs to Him alone (Psalm 115:1). • Cast Vision Beyond the Immediate Win – Articulate where God is taking the group, family, or ministry (Habakkuk 2:2-3). – Equip others to anticipate God’s continued faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23). • Model What You Teach – Live the courage you proclaim (James 1:22). – Share authority by entrusting real responsibility to emerging leaders (2 Timothy 2:2). • Stand on the Finished Work of Christ – As Israel’s officers placed their feet on conquered kings, we stand in Christ’s victory over all powers (Colossians 2:15). Promises That Fuel Courageous Leadership • “Be strong and courageous… the LORD your God goes with you” (Deuteronomy 31:6). • “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power” (Ephesians 6:10). • “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1). Closing Encouragement Lead like Joshua: speak courage, center on God’s power, look ahead with confidence, and share the victory walk with those you mentor. The same Lord who fought for Israel fights for us today, enabling fearless, faith-anchored leadership in every sphere of life. |
    |