Called by God: Joshua

Steven Lake Posted on Posted in Life Well-Lived Tagged with , ,

“The Lord gave this command to Joshua son of Nun: ‘Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land I promised them on oath, and I myself will be with you.’” Deuteronomy 31:23

A 2006 survey found that only 10% of businesses have a written succession plan; about 40% have an informal plan; and over half have no plan at all.1  It’s not surprising that a only one-third of all businesses continue into the second generation, and about 10% survive to the third generation. The primary reason is the lack of a formal succession plan.2

Background
God made sure that the Israelites had a succession plan when they left Egypt for the Promised Land. Joshua had served as Moses’ aide since his youth. As his logical successor, Moses gave Joshua opportunities to develop his leadership skills.

  • Joshua led the army of the Israelites to victory over the Amalekites
  • He was one of 12 men sent by Moses to scout out the Promised Land
  • Only Joshua and Caleb urged the conquest of Canaan
  • Joshua was with Moses when he received the Ten Commandments
  • Joshua who heard the Israelites shouting as they worshipped a calf
  • Joshua was in the Tent of Meeting whenever Moses met God

As Moses approached the end of his life, God commanded him to …

  • Take Joshua, in whom is the Spirit
  • Lay his hand on him
  • Have him stand before the priest and entire assembly
  • Commission him in their presence

By publicly commissioning Joshua, Moses symbolically gave Joshua authority. God made it clear that Joshua would receive God’s directions indirectly, not face-to-face.

In Deuteronomy 31:23, God’s gives Joshua his calling.

  • Be strong and courageous
  • Bring the Israelites into the Promised Land
  • God Himself will be with you

Response
After Moses died, Joshua became the leader of the Israelites. He must have been fearful, because five times in Joshua 1 God said, “Be strong and courageous.” He also promised Joshua, “… the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua then accepted his calling and assumed his God-given role as leader of the Israelites.

Meaning

  • God doesn’t call the equipped; He equips the called
  • God calls those of godly character whose faithfulness is proven over time
  • God’s calling can be scary, and you may feel inadequate for the task
  • God will be with you as you pursue the calling He assigns you

Summary
God’s calling will fit you perfectly. He has designed, created, and equipped for the task He will assign you. The best news of all is that God will be with you, so there is no reason to fear.

Prayer
Lord, I fall so far short of who I want to be, let alone who you want me to be. Take me, break me, mold me and use me as You wish. I offer myself to You such as I am and all that I am. Amen

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Succession_planning

2. http://smallbusiness.chron.com/importance-succession-planning-5129.html

© 2013 Designed to Serve®

About

Dr. Steve Lake is a retired educator with over 30 years experience in the American public schools. He has served in a variety of position, including teacher, elementary school principal, junior high principal, Associate Superintendent, retired from public education as Superintendent of Schools in Lincolnwood, IL. He has his Bachelors, Masters and Doctor of Education degrees from Northern Illinois University. For the past 25 years Steve has attended and been a member of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington and Northfield, IL. At Willow Creek Steve has taught adult classes on spiritual gifts, life purpose, and spiritual disciplines. He has ministered overseas in Angola, Zambia, Honduras, Germany, and Russia. Steve is co-founder of Designed to Serve, a ministry that equips Christians to live out their unique God-given calling. Steve is married and has two adult children who are married.