What qualities in Joshua should modern Christian leaders strive to emulate? Setting the Scene “ ‘But commission Joshua, and encourage and strengthen him, for he will cross over ahead of this people and enable them to inherit the land that you will see.’ ” (Deuteronomy 3:28) Moses is denied entrance to Canaan, yet the mission of God continues through Joshua. In this single verse the Lord highlights traits He wants in the next leader—and by extension, in every servant-leader who follows Christ today. Key Qualities in Joshua Worth Imitating • God-Commissioned Purpose – Joshua wasn’t self-appointed. Numbers 27:18: “There is the man in whom is the Spirit.” Genuine authority flows from divine calling, not personal ambition. • Encouraged & Strengthened by Others – Moses pours courage into Joshua; leaders need godly mentors and must also become encouragers themselves (Deuteronomy 31:7–8). • Courageous Faith – “Be strong and courageous” repeats in Joshua 1:6–9. He risks crossing the Jordan on flood stage (Joshua 3:14–17), showing faith that takes action before seeing outcomes. • Servant First, Leader Second – For forty years Joshua served Moses (Exodus 24:13). True leadership grows out of faithful service, echoing Mark 10:45 where the Son of Man came “to serve.” • Strategic Vision – Joshua must “enable them to inherit the land.” He sees beyond immediate logistics to God’s larger promise. Proverbs 29:18 reminds us that people perish without this vision. • Empowering Others – His success is measured not by personal accolades but by Israel’s inheritance. Ephesians 4:11–12 calls leaders to equip the saints for ministry, not hoard influence. • Unwavering Obedience – Joshua obeys even when strategy seems odd—circling Jericho, allocating land, removing idols. Obedience, not popularity, remains the gold standard (John 14:15). • Spirit-Filled Boldness – Numbers 27:18 and Joshua 6:27 link his effectiveness to the Lord’s presence. Zechariah 4:6: “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit.” Practical Ways to Model These Traits Today • Seek God’s confirmation before stepping into leadership roles; submit plans to Scripture and prayer. • Establish mentoring chains—receive input from mature believers and intentionally encourage those coming behind you. • Make courageous, Scripture-grounded decisions even when culture or convenience pushes back. • Keep serving in the “small” places; public influence gains credibility through private faithfulness. • Cast vision that aligns with God’s redemptive plan, not merely organizational goals. • Measure success by how well others are equipped to walk in their God-given inheritance. • Prioritize simple obedience over innovative trends. Obey what is already revealed. • Depend daily on the Holy Spirit for wisdom, power, and endurance. Scriptures for Further Reflection • Numbers 27:18–23 — Formal commissioning of Joshua • Joshua 1:6–9 — Repeated charge to be strong and courageous • Joshua 24:15 — Joshua models household faithfulness • 2 Timothy 2:1–2 — Strength in grace and entrusting truth to faithful people • 1 Corinthians 16:13 — “Stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” Putting It into Practice This week, identify one area where obedience requires courage, one person to encourage, and one task that feels “small” but will cultivate a servant heart. Commit these to the Lord, remembering that leadership influence grows as we echo the qualities God affirmed in Joshua. |
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