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Israel had lived in the shadow of a great leader, Moses. At his death the nation was in a dilemma as to how it would make it from that point on. There were questions as to what kind of leader would rise up and take over. In the wings of this great man was a young man who had a call upon his life. All the days of his life he has lingered in the Presence of Moses’ encounters with God. When Moses died God had no option but to go for him.
Joshua received an exciting commission. "Moses My servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I Am about to give them...I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses...No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them...Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go" Joshua 1:2-9.
Joshua had the greatest beginning in his leadership of a rebellious nation. He was to embark on a journey of discovery that would take him across a wide spectrum and enable him to do the undone. He was going to accomplish that which Moses had left undone. The baton stick was in his hand and he would become a trendsetter in his own right.
Friend you may have come to the place in your life where Moses has to die. If he doesn’t die you will forever live in his shadow and God will never talk to you. Like Joshua you too need a separation from the familiar and break out into the unknown. Moses had been an imposing presence upon the life of this young man. The day he died was a beginning for Joshua.
As long as God has promised to stand by your side you need not worry, only cast your burdens unto Him and He will carry the load on your behalf. God wants us to come to a time and place where we should focus only on what He has said in His personal communication with us and in His Word..
Today God may be saying to you, get up and lead the youth group, the choir, the cell group or whatever. Be strong and courageous and know this fact: God has not given us a spirit that makes us slaves again to fear, but He has given us the Spirit of sonship, the Spirit of love, power and a sound mind.
Then come to a place where you will say, “Lord I’m ready to lead Your people to their inheritance.” Joshua got up from his discourse with God and said to the people, “Get your supplies ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land the LORD your God is giving you for your own” Joshua 1:11.
You must come to the place where you will encourage the people to get up and move. They need to forget about Moses and FOCUS on what lies ahead. Up there is the inheritance God has promised to give to them. Nothing must block that vision and you must be the leader. Remember Joshua was to be the shepherd of the sheep and here he was demonstrating his potential as a leader.
