Would You Answer Joshua’s Call to Service?
Joshua’s Leadership Tips Based on Joshua 24:14-15
Today, I’d like to dive a little deeper into Joshua 24 and offer a few more thoughts. If you missed last week’s post, it might be a good idea to click HERE to gain some context.
Joshua’s Message to Israel
Joshua’s message to Israel had a few main components:
- Remind the people of all the great things God has done (Joshua 24:1-13).
- State what actions should be followed (Joshua 24:14).
- Give the option to walk away and fully embrace a different path (Joshua 24:15a).
- State which path you and your household will follow (Joshua 24:15b).
It sounds like a great formula for getting everyone on board, but how do people respond to his call?
Joshua’s Integrity and Influence
This is where Joshua’s integrity wins them over. The challenge that Joshua issued was matched with his character. The character that Joshua had shown the people throughout the experience had very positive results.
“Then the people answered, ‘Far be it from us to forsake the LORD to serve other gods! It was the LORD our God himself who brought us and our fathers up out of Egypt, from that land of slavery, and performed those great signs before our eyes. He protected us on our entire journey and among all the nations through which we traveled. And the LORD drove out before us all the nations, including the Amorites, who lived in the land. We too will serve the LORD, because he is our God.'”
Joshua 24:16-18, ESV
What an amazing passage of dialogue between Joshua and the people of Israel!
The Power of Choice
To reference last week’s post on Joshua, it’s a shame that all those welcome mats, door knockers, and mailboxes couldn’t hold more text. Stating one’s choice to follow God is powerful.
“But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Joshua 24:15, ESV
That being said, how much more powerful is that statement when matched with a historical recap of what God has done? Moreover, giving people the option to openly walk away if they so wish truly separates the courageous and faithful from the cowardly and doubtful.
Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts
- Why would you answer Joshua’s call to service?
- How does reflecting on God’s past deeds influence your faith?
- What steps can you take to show integrity in your leadership?
Thanks for the excellent post! I appreciate how you break it down so simply with the 4 step process you present. It’s something we can take with us every day : )
Thanks for your comment Joe and thanks for the encouragement on my writing! – Jeremy