Preparing for Leadership

Introduction

Our book this year is the book of Joshua and our theme is leadership.

Leadership is critical in our homes, our churches, and our communities. Let it not be said that the lack is among God’s people.

Let me say up front that leadership is not THE point of Joshua. Joshua is about fulfilling promises (which we will focus on in our Bible classes).

But we can find much to learn from in the example of one of Israel’s greatest leaders in a time of perhaps Israel’s greatest period of faithfulness.

Changing the Guard

Imagine the vacuum left by the death of Moses (Num. 12:6-8).

Notice the preparation for the transition (Numbers 27:18-23; Deut. 1:38; 3:21-28; 31:3, 7, 14, 23; 34:9).

Joshua has been being training for a long time (Num. 11:28; 14:38; Ex. 17:9-10; 24:13; 32:17).

Joshua’s leadership would be a continuation of the commitment he already had (Josh. 1:1-9).

Leading from Conviction

Strength and courage are the foundations of all good leadership (Josh. 1:6-9).

Someone has said “Neville Chamberlain led with a weathervane while Churchill led with a compass.”

Churchill himself said, “You were given the choice between war and dishonour. You chose dishonour, and you will have war,"

“We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender, and even if, which I do not for a moment believe, this Island or a large part of it were subjugated and starving, then our Empire beyond the seas, armed and guarded by the British Fleet, would carry on the struggle, until, in God's good time, the New World, with all its power and might, steps forth to the rescue and the liberation of the old.”

Joshua did not know what all leadership would require but whatever came it would require strength and courage.

Good leaders seek the good of those they lead (Josh. 1:6).

George Washington profited by the location of Washington D. C. but we hardly notice because of how much he did for the country.

Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos on the other hand, profited while their people languished.

So, leaders may enjoy the blessings along with those they lead, but on with and not instead of.

The POINT of the leadership is the people.

Good leaders are rooted in unmoving truth (Josh. 1:8).

Leaders ought to be constant students.

One of the necessary components here is that we see God’s word as of critical value (2 Tim. 3:16).

We can’t know what we don’t know. We study God’s word with the assumption that it all contains vital information even when we can’t immediately see it’s importance.

One of the grave errors we make is to try and immediately see some practical lesson. Study the word with a goal of knowing the word. You will be equipped by doing this. If you study the word with a eye to finding “practical lessons” then you will often miss the point and likely skip over the places where practical lessons aren’t easily derived.

Leadership in Action

Passive leadership is no leadership (Josh. 1:10-11).

"Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy."

Too often, leaders look for reasons to avoid action or worse are just plain scared (1 Sam. 17:24, 32).

Leaders see and address potential problems (Josh. 1:12-15).

Don’t just hope it works itself out (2 Sam. 14:22).

Leaders want faithful accountability (Josh. 1:16-18).

Conclusion

Leadership development is about both being good leaders and demanding good leaders.

The success of the book of Joshua comes from great leadership and from unified people.

If you are here this morning and you are wanting leadership, I believe you will find it here, but more than that, you will find the pattern for it here so you can demand it and find it no matter where you go.