Joshua 1.16-18 (6)

So they answered Joshua, saying, “All that you command us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. Just as we heeded Moses in all things, so we will heed you. Only the LORD your God be with you, as He was with Moses. Whoever rebels against your command and does not heed your words, in all that you command him, shall be put to death. Only be strong and of good courage.” Joshua 1.16-18

Reflect and discuss.
1.  What should church members look for in those who lead them? What is the responsibility of church members to such leaders?

2.  What do you see as the greatest hindrance to effective church leadership? That is, what keeps church leaders from helping their churches realize more of the presence, promise, and power of God’s Kingdom?

Think about it.
The leaders of Israel offered qualified commitment to Joshua. That is, they agreed to follow his leadership as long as he stayed close to the Lord, as Moses did, and continued to “be strong and of good courage.” 

God’s people have a duty to follow their leaders – ecclesiastical or civil – only insofar as their leaders are following the Lord. Everyone knew that Moses had a special relationship with God. He spent time with the Lord. He encountered God in His glory, so much so that the glory of God was manifest in Moses’ face (cf. Ex. 33.7-11, 34.29-35, and note the word whenever in vv. 34, 35). Paul wrote that when we are reading God’s Word, we should expect to encounter Him in His glory; the effect of this is that the glory of God “rubs off” on us as we are transformed into the image of Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 3.12-18). This is what every believer should expect – not only for leaders, but for themselves – since we stand in the grace of the Lord and “in the hope of glory” (Rom. 5.1-5). 

Joshua would need to be strong and of good courage because he was undertaking a task neither he nor anyone else had taken on before. He would need to exert himself beyond his normal strength. He would need a heart (French: cour)filled with fear of the Lord, love for His people, zeal for the promises, and commitment to the task at hand. We do not come by such a heart naturally. Rather, we must seek such courage from the Lord, by trusting in His Word, calling on Him in prayer, and relying on His Spirit for our every next step.

Leaders who seek and know the glory of God, and who follow God beyond their normal strength with hearts fully committed to the Lord, inspire people to follow them into the precious and very great promises of God (2 Pet. 1.4). Like Joshua before Him, Jesus was such a leader, and He continues to command a following to this day, multitudes from every nation, tribe, and tongue who every day do whatever He commands and go wherever He sends them. But Jesus does not lead us into a land of milk and honey. He leads us into Himself, in Whom allthe promises of God are Yes and Amen (2 Cor. 1.20).

Meditate and discuss.
1.  How can you tell when the Lord is “with” someone “as He was with Moses”? Do you experience the Lord being with you like this?

2.  In his book, Finishing Our Course with Joy, J. I. Packer insists that every Christian is a leader at some level, and all Christians continue to have opportunities to lead as long as they live. Do you agree? Explain. Should all Christians expect to learn about leading others from the book of Joshua? What are you learning thus far to help you as a leader? 

3.  Joshua told the leaders of Israel what he expected of them and the people (Josh. 1.10-15). They told him what they expected of him (vv. 16-18). Do you think it’s important that, in a local church setting, such mutual expectations should be clear to all? Explain. Where does Jesus fit in the midst of all these expectations?

“Thus those who are strong men, their loins armed and girded with truth, go forth to our aid and fight with us.” Origen of Alexandria (185-254 AD)

Pray Psalm 132.13-18.
Use these verses to give thanks to God for choosing you, saving you, dwelling with and in you, blessing you, and helping you to grow in your salvation. Rejoice in all His goodness to you, and renew your resolve to follow Him today, whatever He commands, wherever He leads.

Psalm 132.13-18 (Finlandia: Be Still My Soul)
God dwells among us, and He will forever, 
To meet our needs and clothe us with His grace.
He has to us sent Jesus Christ, our Savior, 
And made us His eternal resting-place.
His foes are banished from His presence ever, 
But we shall reign with Him before His face.

T. M. Moore

Where does the book of Joshua fit in the ongoing story of God’s covenant? Our workbook, God’s Covenant, can help you discover the place in God’s work of redemption not only of Joshua but of all the books of the Bible. God’s Covenant is a valuable resource to guide you in all your studies in God’s Word. To order your copy, click here.

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006.