The one thing im hearing a lot from Christians of late is the need for godly leadership and that which represents (true leadership)! Leadership mind you: Which walks in integrity, has discernment, possesses wise counsel! Handles the Word-Of-God with discernment and skill (with-a-plom), rightly divides, being contextual and has this testimony to its seal "follow me" - even as i follow Christ. Also what we are seeing today is a considerable "fall-out" and "shake-up" regarding Pastors who are either being asked to leave! or being made-to-walk, or simply told to "GO" ( quietly ) And Did he walk or was he pushed is something people often muse about! Some say this is happening because these men are NOW finding out that they (WERE SIMPLY) NOT "called" to be pastors IN THE FIRST PLACE! BUT HAVING SAID THAT: Some are also leaving due to the inability (which they themselves admit to) to be able to take the congregation to the "next level" or assist the flock to enter into the next paradigm shift that blows through the churches! Also at the core or the helm (as reason) - for these AXINGS is an apperant lack of business acumen (and/or) administration skill by the shepherd - to take the church into that "next level" Im hearing and seeing these things - all the time and reading reports on the web: (And seeing the church is defined: definitively speaking - As a business) Pastors by the numbers are now (re-signing or walking) to make way for NEW UPSTARTS with THE NECESSARY Administrative skill LEVEL ...and to take the church into THE CURRENT (the 21st century) techno age and continue with present expansions and building projects. This then explains brethren in short the "fall-out" taking place within (the christian world) and amongst our christian churches. As pastor after pastor - seem to be GETTING AXED AND GETTING THE chop !! Some say it's a worrying trend, A DISTURBING TREND! Others simply say it's a sign of the times! Still others are holding there peace! Or are just waiting until they are sure (what it is) (exactly) - that is happening. But clearly there is a whole lot of shaking going on ...and that from the top/down.

Clearly though: Some dont know what to think of the wholescale and wholesale changes being made and of the sweeping changes being made within there own church - and within the community of churches at large- about them. The churches are going modern this we know to be a truth, brethren. But many have concerns and many find it hard to adjust to these new changes and leave the work they once laboured in - with earnest...

Suffice to say: Things indeed are happening and changing fast - RAPIDLY FAST - at that

THE CHURCH IS EMERGING: BUT AS TO WHAT SHE EMERGING INTO - AND TO WHAT FORM AND SHAPE SHE IS BEING MOULDED INTO?? REMAINS TO BE YET "FULLY" SEEN, REALIZED, AND WITNESSED!!!

Regardless of the reasons though: And be they manifold and diverse in number - what i do want to look at is our current need for (true and godly leadeship) - and this most people can agree seems to be the overwhelming lacking ingredient among us - and amongst our churches.

Hence the title " Why we need modern-day Joshua's"

It is fitting: because if men are leaving or being stood down, or being asked to walk - to make way for modern trends in a NOW CONTEMPORARY STYLE CHURCH. Then this is exactly the scenario and case we find here in Joshua chapter One.

It was the end of AN Era ( SO-TO-SPEAK) and the beginning (or) start of a new one! Joshua was faced with taking over the reigns from the previous leadership that served so faithfully. And it is here that we journey briefly back in time - and begin to dissect some of the qualities and traits of Joshua! and to pick-up-the-Account and story, as it was told... thousands of years ago. But just as relevant today, as it was then!

But before i begin: Let me personally add: That i am Not called to be a leader! and at this present stage of my journey! I am only called to simply write (short sermons) and to continue (by God's grace) to bear fruit! to let my light shine, to be a witness for Jesus in life and at the workplace! and to liase with men that are in leadership! and this i do often: that is: to confer with men who are pastors, elders and leaders of our church. This has been my manner for some time now and i am very comfortable with the direction ive been going in - for some time now.

Joshua was Moses servant and minister ... his righthand man, his understudy, his deputy, his chief liason officer! A reliable and dependable servant you could count on. So when Moses the servant Of God dies - Joshua the son of Nun is seen as the perfect replacement and perfect substitute! But howbeit he has incredibly big shoes and feet to fill. As moses was a prophet who was TOTALLY faithful in all his house! AND JUST AN AWESOME MAN - AND PROPHET OF THE LORD.

We all know the story how that Moses reached the end of his life BEING 120 years old and his eye was not YET dim, nor his natural force abated! But before Moses passes away - he lays hands on Joshua his successor! This is often what some refer to as "transferred anointing" And indeed this was very much the case - scripture says in Duet 34:9 that Joshua was full of the spirit of wisdom; for moses had laid his hands upon him. After this momentous occasion and the much lamented death of a great servant and warrior named Moses ... scripture says this last one thing about Moses - and man what a statement: And there arose not a prophet since in israel like unto Moses, whom the Lord Knew FACE-TO-FACE. In all the signs and wonders, which the Lord sent him to do in Egypt before Pharoah, and to his servants, and to all his land, And in all that mighty hand which Moses shewed in the sight of all Israel. Wow

So Moses is now dead: And Joshua is asked to "step up" as it were and to take the people into the promised land. A daunting task to take over from such a commanding figure and presence of that ...of Moses - But The Lord has full confidence in his man joshua the son of Nun - And that he is more than up to the challenge ...that lay ahead!!!

Joshua is seen as the right person and perfect man for the job: And so Joshua being true to form did not shirk the task, but with courage and tenacity he simply awaits further instruction - by the Almighty! before he makes his move.

God saw in Joshua reams and loads of potential and he was more than confident he had his man! And why not?? I ask?

Joshua had done his apprenticeship under Moses and proved his faithfulness time and time again: and that he was worthy contender to take over from where he himself "left off" Joshua always seemed to aim up, as it were....proving the rock of gilbrator and a worthy leader - for the future Now Joshua's resume was impressive to say the least: take a look at it: The list of ingredients were: Courageous, fearless, bold, man of valour, man of war, valiant in flight! TRUE SOLDIER for the armies of the living God! He had a bold and commanding faith! he was tenacious. In short Joshua was an impressive young man -- but most of all: God was impressed with him, but more than that, God was well pleased in Joshua - and so he (Joshua) got the nod - and got the Job and appointed the task!!

Joshua is now a man on a mission!!! A mission mind you: That asked of Joshua to take hundreds of thousands of Jews into their promised inheritance! In essence God called upon Joshua - saying " Joshua get them in " "Get them over the line" - and into their land!

So Joshua with "single eye" and purpose "steels himself" and girds himself for the task ahead!

Indeed a Man on a mission! And a Man WITH a mission! Joshua is dependable and "steps up" and begins his calling (ready and raring to Go) But before he does The Lord calls him aside with some last minute advice and last minute detailed instruction - saying "As i was with moses so shall i be with you: I will NOT fail you or forsake you"

Joshua is further instructed of God to be strong and of a good courage ...in essence God is saying " take heart" Josh i am fully with you - every inch - and step of the way...

And with that in mind: His confidence is sky high!

And indeed: we are reminded of the same: If God be for us, who can be against us???

Hey if the the God of the universe is on your side....then know of a truth and certainty - " no weapon formed against you, shall prosper"

" And every tongue that rises up in judgment against you, thou shalt condemn"

Indeed: Great promises for Joshua to lay hold off - so he grits his teeth and set sail ( so-to-speak)

But before Joshua starts giving orders and barking intructions to his officers - God gives him one final word of admonishment! Be not afraid, neither be dismayed: For the Lord your God is with you, no matter wheresoever - you Go! And every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have i given you, as i said to Moses...

With all the promises now being both yes and Amen! Joshua with determination and great faith in God's ability - Is ready to do battle and to wage war! in the quest to take what is only "rightfully" theres - that is to have there own land and a place of habitation.
( everybodies right: to have a place to dwell )

So JOSHUA NOW FULLY SETS HIMSELF!!!

By this time: he is brimming, SWIMMING and swelling with confidence - but not in his ability or cabability! but in the ability of the living God

Years ago we use to sing a little chorus which had words to the effect of: It is God that trains our hands for battle, my hands can bend a bow a bronze... he gives me the shield of victory, my enemies fall at my feet, praise unto my rock, he is the Lord of hosts ( Amen and amen! )

But before we go any further: Let us take stock: Its a new day, a new dawn, a new style of leadership is in place, it's a new time, a new era, and with new beginnings! but however: Still with an old promise - yet unfulfilled? The children of israel stand on the threshhold NOW of a long awaited promise: This is there day and this is there long awaited celebrated time! the inheritance of the - promised land !!!

And As far as feelings and experiences are concerned - then brethren: For all intents and purposes it must have been an exciting time! There was expectation! with anticipation. And dare i say it: Excitement so thick you could cut the atmosphere - with a knife!!

The rest of the story is now history! Israel went on to victory and to conquer! And Israel enetered into her promise! having sent spies to spy out the land first! Indeed all there enemies fell down before them! As no one could stand before them! or for that matter "the army of the living God" ...

Joshua went on to accomplish and experience some of the mightiest feats and exploits ever known to mortal man! Just For example: Is not this the man that one day decided he would change the structural alignment of the planets - in the heavens???

Declaring: (SUN BE STILL, AND MOON BE STILL) ...

AND HE SAID IN THE SIGHT OF ISRAEL, sun, stand thou still upon gibeon; and thou MOON, LIKEWISE, BE STILL. And the sun and the moon STAYED, SO THE SUN STOOD STILL IN THE MIDST OF HEAVEN, AND HASTED NOT TO GO DOWN ABOUT A WHOLE DAY!!!

Now according to scientist and engineers and there expert opinions of what happened on thAT day at Gibeon. This absolutely broke all kinds of scientific laws and UNIVERSAL rules - and defied gravitation - AS SUCH! that is in order to make way and allow this awe inspiring (never-before-seen) miracle occur: But the God we serve does uphold all things by the word of his power! And with God nothing shall be impossible! Again i say it: With God - Nothing shall be impossible...

And there was no day like that before it or after it!! Joshua was a man that Got God's attention - and God hearkened unto his word, also (the voice of a man)

Furthermore to that exploit: Joshua had what some scholars and some theologians refer to as a "theophany" experience - that is When you have an actual sighting or visitation from the Lord of Hosts (in person) The story goes - or the account follows (for those still interested): Joshua was by Jericho one day when he raised his eyes and (lo and behold) he saw something? He looked and behold - a man stood with his sword drawn in his hand! And so Joshua more than a little curious went over and said: Art thou for us or an adversary against us?

The man replies: I am captain of the host of the Lord - and now am i come to you O' Joshua to assist thee - in battle! knowing full well who it was that spoke to him: Immediately Joshua fell to the ground - and on his face, and did worship...

The captain of God's host said to Joshua: These words: Loose thy shoe from off thy foot, for the place upon which you stand ...is HOLY

( Sounds burning bush, familiar)!!!

Finally: Out of all of Joshuas conquests and exploits - probably the one thing Joshua is best known for... was his awe inspiring conquest at Jericho!!!

God assures Joshua that it (Jericho) is yours for the taking, and i have given it into your hand! but before you go in and possess it! I have some last to the minute detailed instructions to give to you - and a victorious plan-of-attack to go with. (as nothing is haphazard with God ) Just nothing but inspiration and divine promise !!

The advice given to Joshua is a plan of Seven priests with seven trumpets, over seven days, and of marching seven times on the seventh day ...and then the priests shall blow trumpets as ye compass the city roundabout them ...and do this seven times! And it shall come to pass, that when ye make a LONG BLAST with rams horns, and when ye hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall then shout - with an almighty shout ( the sound of a king is among them )! And the WALL of the city - shall fall down - flat !!

They did as joshua instructed them: On the seventh time, the priests blew long and with a looonnnnggggg Blast: Joshua said to the people: NOW SHOUT! For the Lord hath given you the city! the rest is forever history - as we know!

The book of Joshua goes on to say: So the Lord was with Joshua: and his fame was noised throughout - all the country...

( In israel he went on to become a living legend as such, and a man of bold courageous faith )

Indeed: Joshua had very big boots and BIG shoes to fill ...in stepping up and taking over, from where moses" "left off" But he did it with integrity AND He did it with divine dignity! he did it with courage and with strength drawn from and upon - his God. Placing all of his confidence (not in the ARM OF THE flesh) nor in men, but in God the creator...who created him in his own image - and after his own likeness ...

we need more men like Joshua today: Men who will step-up! when others seemingly (seem) to be stepping down - and saying they dont have what it takes (or) dont believe they can take the people of God forward -- Going forwards.

Finally in sum: Paul gave both Timothy and Titus a list of qualitiies to look for in selecting and appointing elders - and to them who will occupy positions of leadership among us and within new testament churches....and surpisingly "apt to teach" is only (one of 17) other qualities and virtues to look for. We say to people: Go and get trained in the word...learn scripture ( and this is important ) but paul told timothy Go out and look for stabilty of character and other godly virtues. And maybe if all the emphasis was not on just knowledge and learning - and we looked for other essential qualities as well! then maybe just maybe we would not see the fall out and the amount of attrition - in running battle, we so often see!...just a thought, beloved!





:-( :-o

_________________
Bro Stephen