What qualities in Joshua made him a suitable leader for Israel? Text Focus: Numbers 27:18 “Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him.’ ” Spirit-Filled Character • God Himself identifies Joshua as “a man in whom is the Spirit.” • Leadership begins with spiritual reality, not résumé. The Spirit equips for discernment, courage, and communion with God (1 Corinthians 2:12). • Later confirmation: “Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom, because Moses had laid his hands on him” (Deuteronomy 34:9). Faith That Stands Alone • Numbers 14:6-9 – Joshua and Caleb stand against the fearful majority, urging Israel to trust God. • Faithful minority leadership shows moral backbone; he could withstand peer pressure. • This faith resurfaces when he leads Israel across the Jordan (Joshua 3-4). Humble Servant Before He Was Commander • Exodus 24:13 – “So Moses set out with Joshua his assistant.” • Exodus 33:11 – After Moses leaves the tent of meeting, Joshua stays, treasuring God’s presence. • Lifelong apprenticeship under Moses shapes humility and teachability (Proverbs 13:20). Proven Courage in Battle • Exodus 17:9-13 – Joshua commands the troops against Amalek while Moses intercedes on the hill. Victory forged confidence and tactical skill. • This battlefield experience made him ready to conquer Canaan (Joshua 6-12). Whole-Hearted Obedience • God tells him, “Be strong and very courageous, being careful to do all the law” (Joshua 1:7-8). His earlier obedience to Moses (Numbers 32:12) shows the pattern. • Obedient leaders model submission before expecting it from others (James 1:22). God-Given Wisdom for Daily Decisions • Deuteronomy 34:9 links the laying on of hands with “the spirit of wisdom.” • Wisdom is practical—allocating land (Joshua 13-19), settling disputes, and renewing covenant (Joshua 24). Unwavering Loyalty to God’s Promises • He never let the vision fade: “Not one of the good promises the LORD had made to the house of Israel failed” (Joshua 21:45). • Leaders who cling to God’s promises inspire others to do the same (Hebrews 10:23). Encourager of the Next Generation • Joshua gathers all Israel and says, “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15). • Sustainable leadership points people beyond the leader to God Himself (Psalm 78:6-7). In Joshua we see Spirit-empowered faith, proven courage, humble service, obedient wisdom, and steadfast loyalty to God’s promises—qualities that made him the right man to lead Israel into their promised inheritance. |
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