Good morning,
Israel is preparing to go into the promised land. Moses will not be leading them. God has chosen a new leader, Joshua. This week we will look at the transition of leadership. Please read Deuteronomy 31:1-23, 34:1-12 for the historical background. Joshua 1 will be our text.
“And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the Lord commanded Moses.” (Deuteronomy 34:9)
Response of the People (V16-18)
“And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go. 17 According as we hearkened unto Moses in all things, so will we hearken unto thee: only the Lord thy God be with thee, as he was with Moses. 18 Whosoever he be that doth rebel against thy commandment, and will not hearken unto thy words in all that thou commandest him, he shall be put to death: only be strong and of a good courage.”
The people obey!
Believers in Christ should obey God’s word. When we do, we are blessed, and when we do not, we are in line for God’s chastisement.
CONCLUSION:
Leaders must:
1) Be full of the spirit of wisdom
2) Follow God’s leading
3) Go
4) Be strong and courageous
5) Obey the word of God
6) Meditate on the word of God
7) Prepare
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001