S) "14 On that day the Lord exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel; so that they revered him, just as they had revered Moses all the days of his life."
Joshua 4:14 (NASB)
O) Joshua and the people of God were on the move, and had just crossed the Jordan. God had miraculously stopped up the waters, so they crossed on dry ground as they had across the Red Sea. This was the first real miracle that the people saw under the leadership of Joshua, and so it seemed to be proof-positive that the mantle of leadership had passed from Moses to Joshua. There are many similarities in the arch of character growth between Moses and Joshua, and this stood as the pivotal moment when Joshua was cemented as God's chosen leader in the eyes of the people. It was God's miracle, confirming God's choice, exalting Joshua in their sight.
A) Leadership is God's to give, and He gives it according to His power, to accomplish His purposes, to glorify His name. There are certain leadership roles that the LORD clearly gives as His direct prerogative, as with Moses and Joshua. Some leadership roles are inherited by earthly choices we make, as in business or family. But, even in those instances, it is still the LORD who will exalt us spiritually, in the eyes of those we are leading. So, I am naturally in a position of leadership with my wife and kids, but it is up to God whether or not that leadership is blessed and fruitful. The Bible also teaches that God opposes the proud, and exalts the humble. One crucial, vital element to leadership then, is humility. Moses was humble, Joshua was humble, I must be humble.
P) Father, You are great and mighty to be praised. Your grace is written all over my marriage and my family. You blessed me with a wonderful wife, and great kids, and I want to be effective in my leadership. It is not enough that I have a title of husband and dad. If I am not effectively leading them, then those are nothing more than hollow honorifics. Keep me humble, Lord. Help me to submit to Your authority daily. Lead me, so I can learn to effectively lead my family. Let Your will be done, so that Your work is evident, Your will is done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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