Be Strong and Accept Your Leadership Role

Joshua is one of the most intriguing books of the Old Testament. As Moses’ successor, surely the children of Israel had high expectations. To pick up the mantle of leadership from the man for whom the law was named (the Mosaic law) and attempt to lead God’s people into the Promised Land must have been a daunting task. It was Moses for whom the Red Sea parted. It was Moses who stood down Pharaoh through plague after plague. And it was Moses who struck the rock, producing water for the thirsty nation.

Moses was a legend in his own time.

Yet, Joshua was no slouch. When Moses sent spies into Canaan to bring back a report, favorable or unfavorable, only Joshua and Caleb believed God would give the land to the children of Israel. The other ten spies were fearful of enemies they believed to big to conquer.

Joshua was a recognized leader.

Still, leading millions of people on a bloody conquest with innumerable skirmishes and battles, solving problems, hearing from God, finding food, and on and on, took a huge amount of commitment from Joshua. The people benefited from Joshua’s leadership.

God told Joshua three times in the space of only four verses in chapter 1 to “be strong and courageous.” God could say this to Joshua clearly and concisely, and Joshua could be strong and courageous because of several promises God made: “I have given you every place the sole of your foot treads” (v. 3); “No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live” “I will never leave you or forsake you.” (v. 5); “The Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (v. 9).

More Leaders in the Bible

Sometimes when we think of biblical leaders, Noah, Moses, Abraham, and Joshua come to mind. People like Shamgar, Barnabas, Martha, and Dorcas seldom do. When our idea of leadership is connected with celebrity, we often think ourselves unable to lead. Then, we become unwilling.

Writing in Bible Studies for Life, Paul Jimenez asks, “Do you see yourself as a leader? You are. Everybody leads in some capacity. Even if your influence only touches the life of one other person–adult, student, or child–that is leadership!”¹

All leaders aren’t world leaders

You know, he’s right. All leaders aren’t world leaders. Most leaders lead groups at work, sports teams, families, churches, businesses, and other clusters of people. Some lead Bible studies, mission trips, small groups, or ministry teams.

What we should remember is that we can accept whatever leadership challenge God puts before us. If God is able to strengthen Joshua to lead a nation, He can strengthen us to lead our families, discipleship groups, ball teams, and any other assignment given.

God is powerful. His strength endures. Every leadership opportunity is a new chance to follow God, draw close to Him, and see Him work.

Yours for the Great Commission,

Ronnie W. Floyd

Senior Pastor, Cross Church

General Editor, Bible Studies for Life

President, Southern Baptist Convention

References

¹– Bible Studies for Life, Everyday Leadership from Joshua, Paul Jimenez
All scripture HCSB