Joshua 19.49-51
Joshua had instructed his own tribe, the Ephramites on what to.
We spoke all about last week. .. The sons of Joseph.
Remember how they wanted more land?The real problem was that they had not possessed the land God had given them. They were resting on the fact they were Joseph's ancestors. Lots of complaining but not much conquering.
Joshua gave them 2 directions. Clear the forest in the hill country and take on the Canaanites in the Jezreel Valley, today the Bread Basket of Israel.
Look at what the man of God does. He takes on the difficulties before him! He sets the example. He doesn't ask the people to do anything that he himself would not do! Busy night at the Grocery Store, George Akel, took off his suit coat, rolled up his sleeves and got out on the floor and helped us finish up. What an example!
Both Joshua and Caleb, in their old age, pushed the limits and had incredible break throughs! Their personal crowning achievements of their lives came in their 80's. With Joshua the LORD God had placed the future of the nation upon his actions. He worked faithfully into his old age.
This message is for all of us. Whether like me as a pastor or Dad's, The Family Shepherd, even if we are not conscious of it, unintentional leadership takes place. I have told you before of my Nana's influence on me. I saw her practicing the morning quiet time long before I heard someone say we ought to have one. The disciple desired to learn to pray after observing the Master's prayer life.
So we all need to develop these qualities whether we are in an official defined position or not.
1. Unselfishness
Joshua saw that the distribution of the land was complete before he received his own inheritance. The city of Timnath was located in the hill country, a mountainous region which had its challenges. He was content to wait. He did not retire to be waited on but continued to work while he waited.
The last thing Joshua thought of himself. He didn't think of his own interests until the nation was taken care of. When he did take it he remained within the confines of Ephraim. He had seen the whole land so he knew the best places. He put his integrity, his family, God's law and order ahead of any personal preferences or wants. How different God's kingdom is from earthly kingdoms. He waited the longest. Those who know Christ understand that.
I love the fact that he just did it too! He didn't talk about doing it. He did it!
2. Family Values
He received his inheritance among his brothers. His family values are first seen in how he valued his family. Although he was ruler of all the people he settled with his brothers. He quietly returned to private life when he completed the work. Congress functioned best when Congressman served for a short time and then returned home. Why does the poll yesterday reveal only 15% of the American people approve of Congress' work? Career politicians, perks and hidden benefits. Joshua was not like that.
The nation of Israel began with a family. The basis if our teachings about the sanctity if marriage and the home come from the first five books if the Bible, or the Pentateuch, or what the Jews call the Torah.
Joshua knew this family which became a nation was a nation now of families. He kept them intact by obeying the LORD. Then he participated in it! He did not allow selfishness to rob him of family values.
Humility. Pity those whose leader has ambitions. He will end up stepping on them to get where he wants. High service with low humility.
3. Submission and Humility
Joshua, in the spirit of Abraham, let others take the land. He could have chosen the finest of the land but he did not. The man who knows that the LORD God is with him, knows that God will bless Him wherever he goes. I love the exchange between Abraham and Lot. I Corinthians 10.24 ; Philippians 2.1-4 Mark 9.35
People who worry about getting ahead, increasing their power end up destroying themselves and others.
Some look at humility as a weakness, never admitting you are wrong. It is a strength of character. It is following Jesus. It was found in Moses, David, Daniel and Joseph. It putting others ahead of yourself.
4. Honorable
Joshua was a man of honor. No faith like his ever existed in a selfish heart. This is a reason why the Christian leader needs to be man of faith. We do not find the best of men insisting on their rights. What a blessing Israel had in such a leader.
He was fair in all in his business dealings. He never used his position of authority for his on advantage. He could have personally benefited from decisions but he did not go that way. When his own tribe, the Ephraimites, came to him with complaints he treated them fairly, without favoritism. Paul wrote about this to Timothy. Ex 23.3, Leviticus 19.15, I Timothy 5.21
Joshua is a wonderful example of Christlike service.
How we need strong Christlike leaders today! Pray the LORD of the Harvest for them.
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