Joshua, a biblical Super Hero, was a patient follower of God’s plan and leadership, “Then Moses set out with Joshua his aide and Moses went up on the mountain of God,” (Exodus 24:13 NIV). Joshua followed Moses everywhere and he did it for forty years. He was never rushed that we can tell. Joshua played second fiddle to Moses for 40 years without complaining and without undermining Moses’ place of leadership. It seems today that everyone wants to be the leader of the band and no one wants to play the second fiddle. Joshua is a good example of a man who is willing to follow God’s plan and not his own plan.
Joshua was a patient follower of God’s plan for forty years and God used those forty years to prepare him for even greater tasks and responsibilities. He learned from Moses’ interaction with God and the people of Israel. He learned from Moses’ wisdom and from Moses’ mistakes. This thing of taking a nation of slaves and making a Theocratic nation of free people had never been done before. Moses led them out of Egypt and Joshua would lead them into the new land. Just as Moses needed forty years of preparation in his life so did Joshua.
As Christians we also need to learn patience. The Apostle Paul reminded the people in the Church at Colossae of the need to practice patience, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,” (Colossians 3:12 NIV). We live in a society of instant gratification. We want success now! We want to be the big dog now! God’s work is not like preparing a hamburger at a fast food restaurant. God’s work is not like raising hot-house tomatoes. It takes time and patience to mature spiritual leaders. God’s people need to learn patience and to wait on God’s training and timing for His plan and leadership just as Joshua did.
Joshua was faithful and obedient to God and His leadership, “As the Lord commanded his servant Moses, so Moses commanded Joshua, and Joshua did it, he left nothing undone of all that the Lord commanded Moses,” (Joshua 11:15 NIV). Moses was dead but the new leader of the nation was still faithful and obedient to God and God’s directions as received through Moses. Due to the leadership of Joshua the Jewish people were able to subdue the land and establish a new nation under God’s blessings and leadership. When people are faithful and obedient to God and working in harmony with God’s appointed spiritual leadership it is remarkable what can be accomplished for God’s Kingdom.
In the New Testament we are reminded of the Christian’s responsibilities to be faithful and obedient to God and His appointed leadership, “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you,” (Hebrews 13:17 NIV). Joshua did not leave undone what was committed to him. I think too often today Christians and Christian Leaders leave undone what God has appointed the Christians and the Church to do. When things are left undone Christians, Christian Leaders and the unsaved world around us suffers instead of being blessed. Let us strive to be obedient and faithful to God’s Word as revealed to us and not leave undone what God has commanded us to do.
DR. CHUCK DAVIS-
