July 17, 2025
Leadership changes in any organization are always stressful. Is the new leadership competent? What are their values? Do they have an agenda? Are they willing to listen to concerns and make compromises?
This is the situation Israel is facing. Moses, the most revered and capable leader in living memory, has died. The mantle of leadership has been passed to his closest aid, Joshua. To make things even more complicated, it’s almost time to do what they have been waiting forty years to do: cross the Jordan River and begin taking over the Promised Land. They will need strong leadership. Is Joshua up to the task?
The good news is that Joshua is not facing this time alone. God is clearly with him. Even better, God spells out for Joshua what he must do. He must project an air of competence. “Be strong and courageous.” He must be loyal to God and God’s ways. “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from you mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.” He must follow God’s agenda. “Now then, you and all these people; get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them-to the Israelites.”
Under God’s tutelage, Joshua immediately takes control of the situation. He displays his leadership acumen, declares his values and makes public his commitment to God’s agenda right away. “So Joshua ordered the officers of the people: ‘Go through the camp and tell the people, ‘Get your supplies ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you for your own.’’”
Joshua can act quickly and decisively because he has listened to God and is now following God.
Finally, Joshua shows that he is not inflexible. He meets with the leaders of the Reubenites, the Gadites and the people of Manasseh (whom we met last week). They had reached an earlier agreement with Moses that their dependents and their livestock would stay on the East bank of the Jordan. Only the armed men would cross over and help take the Promised Land.
Joshua does not go back on the agreement the tribes had reached with Moses. Both Joshua and the Reubenites, Gadites and the people of Manasseh affirm the previous arrangement.
There are many types of leaders in our Bible. Some are reluctant, like Moses. Others are brave, like David. Some, like Solomon, are more known for their wisdom than their military prowess. Deborah and others like her were able to inspire strong action while remaining in the background. A few, like Josiah and Hezekiah, are remarkable for their religious reforms.
My favorite remains Joshua. Like all human leaders, Joshua had his flaws. But when it counted, he stood up and was counted. He gave the people the hope and inspiration they craved, and he stuck close to God and God’s agenda.
Who is your favorite biblical leader? Why? If you had to choose any leader from the Bible to be our next pastor, who would you choose? Why?
God’s peace to all,
Pastor Ken.