Joshua 24:14–28, 31

Bible Studies for Life
Associate Professor of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University

Pass on the Baton
Joshua 24:14–28, 31
Joshua at the end of his life passed on the leadership of Israel to others. Life is like that. Over time, leadership in any enterprise necessarily changes. Older leaders retire, become ill or die. Other leaders change positions, move on and leave others to carry on in their stead. Wise leaders prepare for a graceful exit by preparing others to lead, turning over the task of leadership cleanly and smoothly.

This study uses the imagery of a relay race by which we might think about the transfer of leadership. Relay races are won by individuals who perform as a team. A crucial moment occurs each time runners pass on the baton to their successor. Fumbled handoffs of the baton lead to defeat at the finish line. From the imagery of the race and from the account in the Bible passage, we might discern four teachings about transferring leadership.

Be an Example in the Race (14–18)
Joshua began his farewell address to Israel by recounting God’s gracious acts in the nation’s past. He traced Israel’s story from Abraham’s call to the current generation’s taking of the promised land (Josh. 24:1–13). The memory of prior successes by its forebears, however, would not suffice for that generation’s own commitment to its future under God. Joshua called the people to renew their commitment to God. In doing so, Joshua demonstrated his integrity and wisdom as a leader by setting a public example (15).

In fulfilling his role, Joshua intended to set an example — regardless of what others did or did not do. Successful leaders lead by example as well as by precept. People are not inclined to follow leaders whose style and behavior suggest, “Do as I say, not as I do.” Because Joshua set the example, the people responded enthusiastically in committing themselves to God’s purposes (16–18).

Make Performance Standards High (19–24)
For a team to win a relay race, each individual must maintain a high standard of performance. Races may be lost due to a single team member giving less than his or her best effort. Winning teams expect the very best from all team members.

In his role as leader, Joshua challenged Israel to maximum performance. He did so by first announcing that the people were incapable of serving the Lord in the manner they had just declared in 24:16–18. The challenge served to fire up the people to an even greater determination to serve the Lord. They reached deeper into their collective resolve to declare more vehemently, “No! We will serve the Lord” (21). Taking their resolve at face value, Joshua set the standard high. He demanded they throw away all foreign gods and yield themselves fully to God (23).

Expect Firm Commitments (25–27)
Joshua fashioned a covenant by which to give expression and substance to the people’s expressed resolve to serve God. The covenant became a means by which the people bound themselves to their collective commitment. It gave expression to the terms of that commitment. As a leader seeking to secure the people’s future, Joshua sealed the covenant by recording its terms in a book and setting up a stone memorial as an abiding witness to the agreement. Teams have the reasonable expectation that all members will hold themselves accountable for wholehearted commitment to the team’s disciplines and goals. A team leader expects nothing less from the team than a solid commitment to the challenge.

Hand Off the Baton Cleanly (28, 31)
The tribute to Joshua’s leadership found expression in the notation that the people served the Lord throughout his lifetime. Not only so but they continued their devotion to God under those to whom Joshua passed leadership responsibilities at his death. As Israel’s leader, Joshua’s example cast a positive influence beyond his own lifetime. His leadership had been of such high caliber that the baton passed cleanly to those who came after him.

Joshua demonstrated that those who are wise leaders will also prepare others to lead, while disposing those who follow to transfer allegiance to their new leaders.