Joshua was born in Egypt under the sting of the lash, but he held the hope in his heart that the Lord would not forget his people there. He saw Moses come and deliver the people because of the Lord’s powerful plagues on the Egyptians. He saw the Lord deliver the people through the Red Sea and sustain them in the desert. He was there when Moses received the Law.

When it was time for the people to enter the Promised Land, Joshua was one of the 12 advance men who looked it over. He and Caleb brought back a favorable report. The land was better than they had imagined. But the other 10 held the day with their fear of giants. Joshua learned the danger of limiting vision to his own ability rather than relying on God. Because of unbelief, the people spent another 40 years in the desert. Joshua was Moses’ apprentice for all those years. When it became clear that Moses was about to die, he named Joshua as his successor. God himself named Joshua and commanded him to be courageous and faithful. Through the ups and downs of his time as a leader, Joshua was faithful.

When Joshua’s life was coming to a close, he realized that he could no longer lead Israel. He was not interested in a gold watch or a farewell party. His focus was on the people of the Lord. His life’s work was leading God’s people. If they ceased to be God’s people and ceased to follow the Lord, then his life’s work was for nothing. Leaders have the long view in their mind. Joshua was only one leader in a chain that would continue through the judges, the kings and eventually the Christ himself. We learn some key things about leadership from Joshua.

Leadership must be developed. Joshua had 40 years of leadership training with Moses. Moses himself learned about leadership from the house of Pharaoh and from the Lord in the desert. Leadership does not begin when a person is appointed as a leader. Leaders are developed more than just selected. Development does not end. Leaders must be encouraged to continue to develop and grow. They grow best as part of a team.

Leaders don’t do everything. There is a difference between leaders and workers. Good leaders work hard and lead by example. But if leaders spend their time doing the work that others should be doing, rather than leading others to do it, then they cease to be leaders. Leaders empower, inspire and equip others to be part of the ministry. Leadership is hard work. It is often easier to do something yourself than to get someone else to do it. You can then be sure that it is done to your standards. Leaders continually communicate with others to encourage them to be doing their ministry.

Great leaders challenge the people to do something great. When Joshua wanted to take the Promised Land, he laid out a great challenge—one beyond their ability. But he knew that it was God’s plan and it was not beyond God’s ability. No one is inspired to follow a small, safe dream. If the people follow a vision that only God could bring to pass, they will know that God is at work when it happens.

Leaders ask people to commit. When Joshua finished his ministry, he did not lay the mantle on the table in hopes that someone would pick it up. He did not tell them how important it was for them to follow the Lord and then merely invite them or encourage them to follow. He laid the challenge before them, looked them in the eyes and waited for a response. Choose this day whom you will serve!

Joshua gave them their options and he demanded a response. When they said that they would follow the Lord, he said, "Not so fast! God is holy. He will not abide those who say they will follow him who do not intend to do it." Joshua knew that if the people were not challenged to follow the Lord, they would not do it. And if the people will not follow the Lord, what makes you think they will follow you as God’s servant?

Success depends on the Lord. Joshua renewed with them the covenant with the Lord. The first thing they did after they crossed the Jordan was to renew the covenant. The last thing they did under his leadership was to renew the covenant. Joshua was commanded to keep God’s Word in his mouth and he did. He did not trust in the strength of his own resources because he knew that God’s power is greater and God’s vision is greater. Our prayer must be constant because God alone gives the victory and God alone gets the glory.