Growing Into Godly Leadership

That day the LORD exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they revered him all the days of his life, just as they had revered Moses.

— Joshua 4:14

When God promises to lift up a leader, He fulfills it in ways that reveal His power and faithfulness. Joshua 4:14 marks the moment when God’s promise to Joshua (Joshua 3:7) is realized. Just as He had exalted Moses before Israel through the miracle of the Red Sea, God now exalts Joshua through the miracle of the Jordan River crossing. This act not only cemented Joshua’s leadership but also reassured Israel that God’s presence and power were still with them.

The parallels between Joshua and Moses are striking. Both leaders were instrumental in leading Israel through impossible situations, demonstrating that the key to effective leadership lies in obedience to God and reliance on His power. When Moses led the Israelites through the Red Sea, the people revered both the Lord and Moses. Similarly, after crossing the Jordan River, the people revered Joshua. This reverence was not about idolizing human leaders but recognizing God’s hand in their leadership.

This serves as a profound leadership lesson for us today. When we follow God’s instructions and humbly depend on His wisdom, He can work through us to achieve His purposes. True leadership in God’s kingdom is not about seeking personal glory but about being a vessel through which God can reveal His glory to others. Joshua’s success as a leader was directly tied to his willingness to follow God’s commands and trust in His guidance.

We often think that leadership requires a certain set of skills or charisma, but Joshua’s story reminds us that the most important qualification is a heart fully surrendered to God. When we step into the roles God has for us with humility and faith, He will exalt us in His timing and for His glory. The key is to remain faithful and obedient, trusting that God will show Himself mighty through our lives.

PRAYER