Joshua was a strong leader who led the children of Isreal into the Promised Land (see the Bible book of Joshua). But his leadership didn’t happen overnight. It was a journey—both physical and spiritual. Though he was closer to entering the Promised Land than the previous generation and their leaders, his journey still required strong faith.
The physical journey he walked was challenging, just like the rest of Isreal experienced. He trudged through the dry wastelands of the desert for forty years, eating only a specific ration of quail and manna. He knew the physical challenges of setting up and tearing down at a moment’s notice when God commanded them to move. But, through it all, he did not change his course.
His spiritual journey was just as challenging. Repeatedly, he heard the bitter unbelief of the people when faced with enemies and lack. He listened to those same people who griped against God and Moses. Though he showed unwavering faith, he faced frustration when he couldn’t enter the Promised Land because of other people’s sin. It was a time of growth—but also a time that required unusual perseverance.
But eventually his journey of following another’s command ended. Then came the season of leadership, which included giants, towering walls, and much battle. He was undeterred, however, because his years of service and perseverance had made him ready. And unlike Moses, his people consistently supported and obeyed him. As a result of their unity and God’s grace, they entered and took possession of the Promised Land under his leadership.
Like every leader, Joshua had strengths and weaknesses. But the Bible does not record many weaknesses. Instead, it elaborates on his strengths, the same strengths that enabled him to conquer what God promised Isreal. Here are a few of his greatest strengths, providing an example for us all.
Joshua’s Strengths
Joshua Wholly Followed the Lord
Joshua, unlike so many other Israelites, wholly followed the Lord. Or, you could say,
“wholeheartedly,” with all his heart, followed the Lord (Numbers 32:11-12, NLT). While the others were “double-minded” in their faithfulness (James 1:8), Joshua completely submitted his loyalty and faith to Jehovah.
Joshua Was Humble
Joshua remained humble before God and man. When God appeared to him as Almighty Commander, Joshua humbled himself before God. He acknowledged that without Him, he could not achieve his own victory. Taking off his sandals, he recognized God’s holiness (Joshua 5:15, NKJV).
Joshua also humbled himself before Moses, the man whom God assigned him to serve. When Moses needed Joshua or instructed him to do something, Joshua obeyed, even if it meant going to war (Exodus 17:8-19:15). Regardless of Moses’ mistakes, Joshua honored the man of God with his humble submission, which later qualified him to be a leader himself.
Joshua Was Full of Wisdom
One of the greatest qualities of a good leader is their wisdom and their ability to act on it. Joshua did both. This was a choice, but it began with training and an impartation not in just man’s wisdom, but the spirit of wisdom (Deuteronomy 34:9, NKJV).
Joshua Honored God’s Word
Joshua honored God’s Word by believing it, obeying it, and sharing it. When twelve spies returned from their mission in Canaan, Joshua and Caleb continued to believe God’s Word, despite the challenges (Numbers 13:25-31). As they journeyed through Canaan forty years later, Joshua obeyed God’s commands that led them to victory (Joshua 11:1, NKJV). And Joshua consistently and confidently shared God’s Word with the people throughout his years of leadership (Joshua 8:35, NKJV).
Joshua Was Strong and Courageous
Joshua learned courage from Moses as he led Isreal out of Egypt. He also learned from Jehovah when He presented Himself as a courageous God, qualified to command courage in Joshua (Joshua 5:13-15; Joshua 8:26, NKJV). Regardless of the hardships, Joshua remained courageous throughout his leadership. From the beginning of his training to the end of his life, he never undermined his calling or God’s power in his life. This kind of leadership encouraged the children of Israel not only to follow him but also to be strong and courageous.
Joshua’s Reward
God’s reward to Joshua was to give him his own piece of the Promised Land. With the attributes of a godly leader, Joshua waited for the rest of the country to receive their inheritance before he received his (Joshua 19:49-50, NKJV). He sacrificed his immediate pleasure for the good of the people, much like he did for forty years in the wilderness. God was faithful to honor His promise to Joshua and to honor his patience.
Joshua continued to honor God’s covenant, right up until his final days (Joshua 24). He led the children of Isreal with boldness, excellence, and conviction. When he knew he was close to death, he influenced them with the ultimate challenge—to serve the Lord. And that challenge remains the same for us today.
And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15, NKJV).
Christa Madrid 