Today’s Reading Joshua 5-8
Focal Scripture: Joshua 5:14 “Neither, he replied. I have now come as commander of the Lord’s army.”
Knowing who is in charge makes a big difference. The leader sets the tone in every aspect of culture. In church, home, sports teams, business, and relationships. As the leader goes so goes the organization.
Things are going well for Joshua. They have experienced much success after years of frustration. They are eating real food. They know victories are on the horizon. Joshua has to be feeling great about his leadership and how God is blessing them. Then Joshua meets a man near Jericho. At first it seems like an ordinary encounter. However, it becomes quickly obvious that this person answers to no one. He is the one that is really in charge.
Joshua has his meeting with the Lord just like Moses did at the burning bush. Joshua realizes who he is in front of and surrenders to the person who is really in charge of the nation. Joshua understands his place and his leadership role.
This same truth applies to leaders and believers today. I have heard numerous times from pastors and other individuals who make decisions that they are in charge. They make the decisions and everything is on them. In one sense that is true. Good leaders are needed. Good leaders help churches, teams and organizations function well.
A person is only a good leader, biblically, when they understand who is really in charge. A Christ follower has to understand that even though they may be gifted to lead, they are not the final say. They are not the one with the authority. The lesson that Joshua can teach all believers no matter what circumstance they find themselves in is, bow to the Lord. He is in control. Biblical leadership is about surrender. Surrender to God’s will and God’s direction.
When Joshua needed this reminder he experienced it and responded well to the realization. The same must be true for believers today. Christ is in charge and everything we do must be submitted to him, especially our egos.
I challenge you today to ask yourself this question. Have I bowed the knee to the commander of the Lord’s army like Joshua? If you haven’t what must be done to do that today?
These questions will change the world because Christ will be taking the lead not human intellect. Submission to his authority is what changes the culture.
Tomorrow I plan on reading Joshua 9-11
