The book of Exodus up to the book of Joshua contains many disclosures about the life and calling of Moses and Joshua. The calling of Moses in the ministry and leadership begun in the book of Exodus and from there he was commissioned by God to liberate His chosen people Israel. Exodus 3: 10 “10 Come now, therefore, and I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.”
While Joshua’s responded to God’s leadership calling was when and during the time Moses died. Joshua 1:1-3 “After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, it came to pass that the LORD spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, saying: 2 “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel.”
There was no doubt that Moses and Joshua obeyed and fulfills the calling of the Lord in their life. In fact Moses and Joshua works hand and hand in faithfully following most of the commandments of the Lord during those times that Joshua is still under the leadership of Moses. For instance, Joshua obeyed Moses without murmuring when he was being commanded to lead the Israelites in fighting the Amalekites. Exodus 10:9-11 says: “9 And Moses said to Joshua, “Choose us some men and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand.” 10 So Joshua did as Moses said to him, and fought with Amalek. And Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. 11 And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.” Indeed Moses and Joshua had an amazing team work and collaboration in doing the Lord’s work.
The only remarkable comparison with them was on their leadership legacy. Moses uses his leadership role to take advantage of the opportunity to teach and help Joshua to learn the valuable rudiments and priority of leadership calling. No doubt that he spent precious time with Joshua for the sake of the next generation. Moses wanted for the next generation of Israelites to have a committed, God fearing leader and that was exactly how Moses molds Joshua of his leadership. Moses’ behavior is a model for modern-day leadership. We can see the priority he placed on the future by how he empowered younger leaders like Joshua. Simply put, leaders are responsible for future leadership.
While on the other hand, Joshua’s leadership legacy is far differ from Moses. As the book of Judges mentioned in chapter 2:8 “Joshua son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died at the age of 110…. That whole generation was also gathered to their ancestors. After them another generation rose up who did not know the Lord or the works He had done for Israel” Why the stark contrast? There is no record of Joshua investing in anyone to ensure future life of the next generation. We don’t see him intentionally developing leaders. We don’t read of him pouring into others. And the generation after his leadership didn’t know the Lord. So sad that the only thing Joshua made during his leadership is to secure the well-being of his generation. Indeed, it is intended to a leader to develop an alter ego for the purpose of ensuring the betterment of the future of the people and ministry—Joshua failed to deliver on such area of great concern.
My immediate reflection on this timely issue was this: Will I be like Moses or like Joshua? Will I invest in others who will ensure the following generations know of the Lord and his gracious works? May the Lord help me and use me to make a difference to my fellow believers in the Lord. May He use me as a leader with so much concern in helping my fellow leaders achieving their potential to lead next generation of Christ’ followers.
