Key #1. Know your role. “Both the angelic emissary and Joshua were commanders of the armies…but they were not the Commander in Chief! The Israelites were not Joshua’s people, they were God’s people! Joshua had to know his role as a servant of the living God and not become self-seeking or looking to self-interests hoping for God’s approval. This is true for everyone that has a leadership role in the church as well. Whether the pastor, the Sunday school teacher, the board member, whatever the role we all are servants of God and His plan and purpose. Two reasons: Unity and Faith. God cannot work in a church where the leaders are all going in their own or different directions…doing their own thing. And, the faith - especially of the leaders - must be in an infinite reality greater than this reality!….Which leads to;
Key #2. Know your resources. - Both physical and spiritual. God will not bless foolishness! But, He will bless and provide where there is faith plus wisdom.
Periodically we need to be reminded that “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world…( There are things in this reality that we must struggle to overcome) And, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (There are things in the spiritual realm that come against us as well.) This is why we need God’s power. Someone once said; “Without God we cannot, Without us God will not.”
The second question was a purpose question; “What message does my Lord have for his servant?” Joshua was ready to listen. A true encounter with God will always involve both asking and listening with the heart of a servant. When it comes to the direction in our lives, or of the church or in any part of the ministry of the church…we need to meet with God in prayer; clearly define the question; ask God to remove any preconceived assumptions; to protect us from being swayed by human opinion; reason; or even logic; and especially suggestions from the enemy; and then really listen!…Not just 10 minutes…It may take a long time…it’s all in God’s timing…But, then ask him also for confirmation. Confirmation may come from one of several different sources, and we must wait and watch for it.
Most of you already know the story of what God tells Joshua in chapter 6 and the fall of Jericho…. But, I want to give you just a few insights about this story from a leaders point of view; Notice that God first speaks to the leader. He reveals his plan, his goals, and his strategy, to the leader. Now, I want you to know that this is both a gift and a burden to the leader. The leader usually has a vantage point. He can see the whole picture…he can see the forest and others see the trees. A leader sees the possibilities and expects problems; while others see the problems and are overwhelmed with the possibilities! This is not my way of thinking, it is God’s…and always has been. By God’s design, leaders are given clarity of vision and then are commissioned to help others catch the vision. (6:2) “Then the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men. March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams’ horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have the whole army give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the army will go up, everyone straight in.”
What would Joshua see - physically? (A huge, walled city; filled with fighting men; led by a King; looming like an impenetrable fortress.)
What did he see spiritually? Through obedience - no matter if it was reasonable, or logical, the walls crumbling down; and the city being given into their hands by the power of God! A leader must see God’s goals and act in God’s power! Spiritual leadership is not a matter of conquering territory; it’s a matter of positioning God’s people - to receive what God has for them.
So, God’s mission was - Enter the Promised Land as promised. God’s vision was - The fall of Jericho. God’s goal was - Do it in seven days. God’s strategy was - Joshua 6:3-5…March around the city seven times and give a shout! Was it Divine inspiration or was it insanity?
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