Joshua's Leadership Journey In The Bible

Joshua, the successor of Moses, had a life filled with many adventures. Throughout the books of Numbers and Joshua, there are countless stories in which many lessons can be gleaned. However, one could make a strong argument that Joshua’s primary purpose in the Biblical record, was to lead the children of Israel out of the wilderness into the promised land. As this writer reflects on the understanding of his calling/vocation, the narrative of Joshua’s leadership journey has been very influential. In the first chapter of Joshua there are three major things that speak to this writer as it pertains to his call.

The first thing that really has influenced this writer is the context of Joshua’s call. As we know, in the first chapter of Joshua, God calls Joshua to step up and take the

In verses 1-2 God pronounces Moses’ death and instructs Joshua to cross the Jordan and enter Canaan. In verse three, God says “Every place on which the sole of your foot treads, I have given it to you, just as I spoke to Moses.” In verse four God goes on to give Joshua the geographical explanation of all the land that had been deeded to Israel. It appears that God has deeded all of the land to Israel, but suggests He will grant unto them only the places in which their feet shall trod. In other words, it is all theirs, but if they don’t walk in the land that was promised they will not receive what has been granted. It is reported that the land was filled with some of the toughest terrain and the most ardent foes. Consequently, Israel would have to fight to receive God’s promises. As this writer pondered this caveat that was placed in the promise, he reflected on his calling. Joshua 1-3,4 along with other passages throughout the bible has formed the posture in which this writer approaches ministry endeavors. Such passages remind me that God’s call is a call to