S)"17 Just as we obeyed Moses in all things, so we will obey you; only may the LORD your God be with you as He was with Moses."
Joshua 1:17 (NASB)
O) First of all, it's worth noting that these are not the same Israelites that disobeyed Moses and wouldn't believe Joshua and Caleb in their report of things spied from the Promised Land. These are their children, whom God re-shaped and Moses taught so that they would prove obedient and faithful to be able to enter the Promised Land. So, they're trustworthy as, to this point, they've been faithful in their obedience to God through the command and leadership of Moses. Anytime you have a great leader, it can be very difficult to follow the next guy who comes along, though. Still here, they point out the absolute, most important quality in a leader: that the LORD is with him. It wasn't enough that Moses presented Joshua as his successor. It wasn't enough that God Himself declared Joshua as the leader. Being appointed means nothing unless you're also anointed. Even if the people know that God has selected you, if you're not proving yourself to be anointed with God's presence, the people will not follow in obedience.
A) This is so applicable to my marriage and parenting! My wife knows that, Biblically speaking, she must submit herself to my authority because that authority is scriptural; however, if I am not walking in integrity, walking closely with God, then all of my authority and leading means absolutely nothing. With my children, I can tell them all day long about God's call to live a righteous life, and I can teach them all about His mercy and grace. But, if I am not showing them all of that with my own intimate walk with the LORD, then it's going to be hollow. It will all mean nothing but a religious game of Simon Says. I need to lead by example. If my family sees the power of God in my relationship with Him and the fruit of Him being with me, then they will follow in kind. Like they say in this song, Authority, "Who I follow's who they follow, when they follow me."
P) Father, Your goodness to me is apparent in everything good I could ever do. Without Your power in my life, I could accomplish nothing. I know that, aside from any other ministry I might ever have, I am called to lead my wife and children in Your ways. Holy Spirit, stay close to me and draw me close to You. Let our relationship be evident to those I love so that they will see the value in submission to Your will, LORD. I want people to know that You are alive and at work in my life constantly, and able to do the same for them, if only they'll follow. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
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