JOSHUA: SUCCESSFUL SUCCESSOR

As the LORD commanded Moses His servant, so did Moses command Joshua, and so did Joshua; he left nothing undone of all that the LORD commanded Moses – Joshua 11:15

Joshua is the kind of lump of clay that is the Potter’s delight. His first mention was as Moses’ commander in battle with the Amalekites (Exo.17:9). Here at Rephidim, he experienced his first baptism of battle. The wonderful prayer-picture of Moses, Aaron and Hur prevailing in prayer against Amalek on the mountain while he prevailed by arms in the valley has provided endless inspiration to those in the thick of spiritual warfare. His public career commenced as assistant to Moses: “his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle” (Exo.33:11). Joshua’s subsequent history justified his selection: a dependable deputy, faithful follower, loyal lieutenant, submissive servant, and successful successor!

Besides being Moses’ servant, Joshua was pre-eminently “the servant of the Lord” (Jos.24:29). He successfully served two masters: his service to Moses was performed with great distinction because of his even greater devotion to God. He pleased his earthly master because of his submission to his divine Lord (Jos.11:15). Joshua gladly took the second fiddle. He began his career as second to Moses, without ever displaying the ambition to be his successor. He preferred to be second-in-command in the Lord’s army to commander-in-chief of his own (Jos.5:14). Very few people ever pass this test with distinction. Joshua did. This was the key secret of one that was called, commissioned and prepared for Great Conquests.

Before his death, Moses received divine sanction to appoint Joshua as successor (Num.27:18,20). When the time came for him to assume full command of the nation, God fortified him with firm assurances: a crystal-clear call with well-defined terms of commission; promises of possession of the land and of enduement of power; and guarantees of divine faithfulness. God conducted his commissioning service by Himself, enunciating ageless principles for prosperity and success in His service. Joshua was four times commanded to be strong and courageous (Jos.1:1-9). This was his responsibility, not God’s. Of course, such courage and fearlessness were not self-generated, but derived from the realized Presence of God.

Joshua was both commissioned and groomed for Canaan’s conquest. He was exhorted to constantly meditate on God’s Word, as his manual of instruction for warfare and victory (Jos.1:8-9). Implicit obedience to it would be the key to success. Saturation in the Word of God set him up as a person of courage. This was not a one-off feature. Right till the end, Joshua exhorted Israel to a strong adherence to God and His Word (Jos.23:6-11). Moses was meticulous in briefing Joshua for his future responsibilities, counselling him on procedures and on the division of the land, and inspiring and assuring him of success (Num.32:28; 34:17; Dt.3:21-22); 31:3-6). Moreover, his antecedents prepared him for these roles: he and Caleb constituted a faith-minority of two against ten who presented an adverse report. Men of faith and courage, these two!