The Bible is a fascinating book. The longer I linger over it the more I realize there is to see. It is easy to forget that the book is not accounts of great men but accounts of a great God working through obedient men. If we treat it as a book about great men and what they accomplished we soon begin to believe we are greater than we are.
That is not to minimize the gifts and talents of men. It is just a reminder that we are recipients of God’s blessings and equipping.
As I look further at Joshua, I see 4 key ingredients to his success. The first one I mentioned in an earlier post.
1. Call – His call is clarified in chapter, verse 6 – you are going to lead these people. That is huge – knowing that one is called to a particular ministry gives staying power. Even when things are discouraging the awareness of God’s call will not let a leader quit.
2. Commitment/heart – The Septuagint (Greek version of the O.T) translates “be strong and of good courage” as “be strong therefore, and play the man to the uttermost.” It reminds me of the coach in the locker room before the big game. Joshua, give yourself completely to this. To lead requires heart/commitment.
3. Character – God tells Joshua to know the law, meditate on the law, be able to speak the law and to obey it. It was the law that would shape his character. Military strategies were important and God gave him some unique plans but what God was really concerned for was character. If a leader is to lead well, he must have character.
4. God’s presence – God promised His presence but it appears to be tied to His character, commitment and faithfulness to the call. God promises His presence in the context of talking about fear and discouragement. God’s presence is the anecdote for both.
