Joshua 1:1–9

Bible Studies for Life
Adjunct Professor of Biblical Perspectives, Samford University

Accept Your Leadership Role

Joshua 1:1–9

My favorite seminary professor used to begin each morning with the following prayer: “Lord, You knew when You called me what You had to work with. Make me ready for whatever this day brings.” The fruit of this daily prayer was evident in her life. In the nearly 10 years I’ve known her she has never failed to exemplify the old adage “in omnia paratus,” or ready for anything. It’s vital to recognize that we are all leaders in some capacity and our preparation for leadership can assume many forms. In examining Joshua 1:1–9, three aspects of leadership emerge: God called Joshua to lead, God equipped Joshua with His Word and God equipped Joshua with His presence. Each reality is applicable in the life of today’s leader.

God calls you to lead. (1–6)

The Bible is rife with examples of God’s call, and Joshua is no exception. Prior to the call to lead the Hebrew people into the Promised Land, Joshua had been preparing for leadership under Moses. He had been with the people during their wilderness wandering. When they lacked faith, Joshua remained faithful. 

For the Christian, both the example of Joshua and the words of Jesus ring true — whoever is faithful in small things can be trusted with big things (Matt. 25:14–23; Luke 16:10). God will call and it is incumbent upon the believer to be ready whether the task is big or small.

Theologian Henri Nouwen once remarked, “When I think of the many lecture invitations I declined with the argument that I had no time to prepare, I see now how I looked at every speaking engagement — be it a lecture, a sermon or commencement address — as a new performance that calls for new preparation. As if I had to entertain a demanding audience that could not tolerate any poor performance. No wonder that this attitude leads to exhaustion and fatigue … now I see that I was all mixed up. The question is not, ‘Do I have time to prepare?’ But, ‘Do I live in a state of preparedness?’”

Hearing God’s call and accepting one’s leadership role is not about keeping a frenetic pace. It is not about attempting to win over the masses with impressive skill. Rather, preparation for leadership involves daily obedience to God and a willingness to submit to His voice when we hear it. Above all else, being ready is about connection to God (John 15:1–11). Being ready is about establishing a rhythm of faith so when God does call, we are prepared to lead.

God equips you with His Word. (7–8)

Being ready also involves equipping oneself with the promises God has made and being obedient to the commands He gives. For Joshua this involved keeping the Torah central to his leadership. For the Hebrew people the Torah was not merely an external set of instructions. Instead the Torah was to be the heart and soul of their connection to God and to one another. It was intended to be internalized from the beginning — to be bound to everything the people did (Deut. 6:1–9). In the same way, the Word of God is to take on flesh in the life of the believer. 

God equips you with His presence. (9)

Being ready and accepting God’s leadership role requires an acknowledgement that we cannot function on our own. Obedience to God means we rely on the presence of God — “the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Josh. 1:9b). When God calls, God equips, yet God frequently calls us to tasks that are bigger than we are. 

God’s call requires humility, a willingness to trust ourselves to God and to others who know more than we do. It is about a willingness to say, “Lord, You knew when You called me what You had to work with. Make me ready for whatever this day brings,” and to trust that God’s presence will go with us.