What can we learn from Joshua's loyalty to Moses in Numbers 11:28? Setting the Scene • Numbers 11 finds Israel grumbling again. • God pours out His Spirit on seventy elders, and “they prophesied” (Numbers 11:25). • Two of the chosen men, Eldad and Medad, remain in the camp yet receive the Spirit and prophesy there. • “Joshua son of Nun, the attendant to Moses since his youth, spoke up and said, ‘Moses, my lord, stop them!’ ” (Numbers 11:28). What Joshua’s Loyalty Looked Like • Lifelong service – “the attendant to Moses since his youth” (Numbers 11:28). Joshua never sought status; he simply stayed close and helped. • Immediate advocacy – the moment he perceived a threat to Moses’ authority, he acted. • Protective zeal – his first instinct was to guard God-given leadership from confusion or counterfeit. • Submission when corrected – Moses replied, “Are you jealous for my sake? I wish all the LORD’s people were prophets” (Numbers 11:29). Joshua accepted the rebuke and learned. Key Lessons for Us Respect for God-Appointed Authority • God raises specific leaders (Romans 13:1). Joshua honored that structure even when he did not understand every detail. • We, too, safeguard unity by refusing to undermine leaders God has placed over us (Hebrews 13:17). Faithful, Quiet Service Prepares for Future Use • Joshua’s years of humble assistance readied him to succeed Moses (Deuteronomy 34:9). • Doing small tasks faithfully is God’s training ground (Luke 16:10). Zeal Needs Guidance • Loyalty is commendable, but zeal without full understanding can overreach (Proverbs 19:2). • Moses broadened Joshua’s vision to celebrate God’s work beyond familiar channels—an attitude later vital when Joshua led a diverse nation. Teachable Loyalty • Joshua did not sulk or argue when corrected. A loyal heart remains pliable (Psalm 141:5). • Accepting instruction makes a servant useful in God’s hands (2 Timothy 2:21). God Values Both Order and Outpouring • Moses preserved order; Joshua affirmed it; yet God still poured His Spirit freely. Healthy churches hold both truths—respecting biblical authority while welcoming the Spirit’s liberty (1 Corinthians 14:40). Living It Out 1. Identify leaders God has placed over you. Commit to pray for them and uphold their God-given role. 2. Serve consistently where you are, trusting God to open larger doors in His timing. 3. Cultivate zeal tempered by Scripture and mature counsel. 4. Stay teachable; invite correction that sharpens your loyalty. 5. Celebrate every genuine work of the Spirit, even when it arises outside your expectations. Following Joshua’s pattern—faithful service, protective loyalty, and teachable humility—positions us for fruitful partnership in God’s ongoing work. |
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