By: Reverend J. Loren Russell
Joshua 1:1-3, 9 NKJV
After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, it came to pass that the Lord spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, saying: “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses…, Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
The Lord does not have two leaders at the same time. When a leader completes his/her task, the Lord always has someone prepared to take over that leadership role.
Some may disagree with me or present the co-leading scenarios as examples. Let me acknowledge that there are instances where there are two people heading organizations, institutions and even houses of worship. So let me clarify that I am referring to God’s way of leadership, not humanity.
In the scripture cited for this article, the Lord approached Joshua after Moses had died and commissioned him to fulfill the assignment originally given to Moses. He was to rise and lead the people into the Promised Land. I am sure Joshua had some apprehensions and concerns about this great task he was being asked to undertake. There were millions of people, and Moses had been in personal contact with God to help him. So the Lord reassures him in verses 4-8 that he had been thoroughly equipped for the task, then tops it off with an assurance that He would be with him just like he was with Moses.
There was no hesitation in Joshua. He took on the leadership role, and history says that he did exactly what he was assigned to do as the new leader of that great nation.
Some of you reading this article might have a call to a leadership role, but not sure how to respond. Apprehension and concerns are normal no matter how well you have been prepared. I am not talking about those who have a self-glorifying desire to be in leadership without a calling, but those who have been faithful, was taught, and prepared for leadership.
If that’s you, carefully examine the example of Joshua. He never tried to take leadership from Moses. He followed direction and showed loyalty right up to the day of Moses’ death. It was only after the Lord called Moses from labor to reward that He called Joshua to leadership. If you remain patient and stay prepared, your time will come. Joshua personifies the saying, “If you stay ready, when the call comes, you don’t have to get ready!” Remember that the Lord uses one leader at a time.
Be Blessed!
Rev. J. Loren Russell is President/CEO of The JLR Company for Church Financial Strategy & Consulting; an associate minister at both Goodwill and The Greater Universal Baptist Churches in the Bronx; creator & host of “Matters of Faith – The Radio Show” Mondays 8:00 – 10:00 PM on Facebook LIVE and author of Matters of Faith: The Book (eBook available at www.smashwords.com/books/view/993177)
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