What leadership qualities of Moses and Joshua can we apply today? Setting the Scene “Moses, the servant of the LORD, and the Israelites defeated them, and Moses the servant of the LORD gave their land as an inheritance to the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.” (Joshua 12:6) Though Joshua 12:6 is a passing summary, it quietly spotlights two leaders—Moses and Joshua—whose complementary strengths still teach us today. What We Notice in the Verse • Moses is twice called “the servant of the LORD.” • Victory is credited to God’s servant leading God’s people. • The goal isn’t Moses’ fame but Israel’s inheritance, preparing the way for Joshua’s larger campaign (Joshua 12:7 ff). From that springboard, Scripture lets us trace their overlapping leadership qualities. Leadership Qualities Modeled by Moses • Servant Identity – Repeated title underscores humility: Exodus 14:31; Deuteronomy 34:5. • Relentless Obedience – He “did just as the LORD commanded him” (Exodus 40:16). – Obedience qualified him to transfer territory to the tribes in Joshua 12:6. • Vision for Future Generations – He prays, “May the LORD… appoint a man over this community” (Numbers 27:16-17) and personally lays hands on Joshua (v. 23). • Willingness to Delegate – Exodus 18:24-26 shows him establishing tiers of leaders so ministry could widen. • Intercessory Heart – Numbers 14:13-19: pleads for the people when they fail, reflecting Christ-like mediation. Leadership Qualities Modeled by Joshua • Courageous Faith – “Be strong and courageous… for the LORD your God is with you” (Joshua 1:9). – Acts decisively in battle (Joshua 10:12-14). • Faithfulness to God’s Word – “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth” (Joshua 1:8). – Leads by Scripture, not popularity. • Finisher’s Mentality – Joshua 11:15: “Joshua left nothing undone of all that the LORD had commanded Moses.” – Completes what Moses began, including allotting the land (Joshua 18-21). • Household Integrity – “As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15). – Leadership validated at home. • Capacity to Inspire Unity – Keeps eastern tribes connected to western tribes (Joshua 22:1-4). Shared Traits Worth Imitating • Servant First, Leader Second – Title “servant of the LORD” moves from Moses (Joshua 1:1-2) to Joshua (Joshua 24:29). • God-Centered Dependence – Both leaders continually seek the LORD before strategies (Exodus 33:11; Joshua 7:6-9). • Succession Mind-Set – Moses mentors Joshua; Joshua raises up elders (Joshua 23:2). Leadership isn’t hoarded. • Courage Coupled with Humility – Bold actions, yet quick to fall on their faces before God when sin emerges (Numbers 14:5; Joshua 7:6). Applying These Qualities Today • Embrace the “servant” label—titles and platforms secondary to obedience. • Anchor decisions in God’s revealed Word; let Scripture set the agenda. • Cultivate courage that acts, not just prays, trusting God’s promised presence. • Develop successors—identify, train, and bless the next generation. • Maintain intercession for those you lead; plead for them more than you plead with them. • Finish assignments; partial obedience isn’t obedience. • Keep family aligned with your public leadership; credibility begins at home. The victories recorded in Joshua 12 started with a servant’s obedience and continued through a successor’s courage. Follow their path, and God still grants territory—souls won, ministries launched, communities transformed—for those who lead His way. |
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