Just a Thought: Leaders who serve both inspire and challenge others. When he was young, he and Caleb went into the Promised Land to check it out. They came back with a report of faith as to what the Lord would be giving Israel. They were out voted ten to two and the people ignored and rejected their enthusiastic faith. But, this did not discourage Joshua from remaining faithful to serve Moses as together they served the Lord. Moses had a reputation of being very meek (not weak). He had a servant attitude and was notably one Israel’s greatest leaders. For forty years Moses led the wandering, complaining, fussy, rebellious chosen people of God around the wilderness. One man was by his side the whole time watching, listening and learning from him. When it came time to transition leadership, before Moses passed, he handed the reigns over to Joshua as the next natural leader of Israel. Joshua had many of his own great qualities. He was a great leader and military mind. He was faithful to follow the Lord. And, just as Moses had inspired and challenge him, he did the same for Israel. Joshua was the leader who eventually led Israel into the Promised Land and help settle them in . At eighty years young, Joshua was ready to fight and win because he knew as he had been faithful to the Lord, the Lord would fight for him. Joshua gathers Israel together and reminded them off two things. “But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you: to love the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to obey his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and all your soul.” (Josh 22:5) And, “But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” (Josh 24:15) And that is how it is done. Leaders who serve, both inspire and challenge others. Through a life that models and practices what it preaches. As a leader, Moses inspired and challenged Joshua. Joshua, as a leader inspired and challenged Israel. Who do you inspire and challenge through your living today? What do you inspire and challenge them to do? Lord, I pray today, as a leader of my family, church and in my community. I pray for the meekness of Moses and spirit of Joshua. Help me Lord lead by example. And, inspire and challenge all who interact with me to love and serve You Lord faithfully. In Jesus name, amen.
