Joshua 1:10-18 Securing our blessing by putting our community first

Joshua 1:10-18

Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying, 11 “Pass through the midst of the camp and command the people, saying, ‘Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within three days you are to cross this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the Lord your God is giving you, to possess it. ’”

12 To the Reubenites and to the Gadites and to the half- tribe of Manasseh, Joshua said, 13 “Remember the word which Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, saying, ‘ The Lord your God gives you rest and will give you this land. ’ 14 Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle shall remain in the land which Moses gave you beyond the Jordan, but you shall cross before your brothers in battle array, all your valiant warriors, and shall help them, 15 until the Lord gives your brothers rest, as He gives you, and they also possess the land which the Lord your God is giving them. Then you shall return to your own land, and possess that which Moses the servant of the Lord gave you beyond the Jordan toward the sunrise.”

16 They answered Joshua, saying, “All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. 17 Just as we obeyed Moses in all things, so we will obey you; only may the Lord your God be with you as He was with Moses. 18 Anyone who rebels against your command and does not obey your words in all that you command him, shall be put to death; only be strong and courageous.

Background

Joshua began to take hold of the reigns over Israel to convert ownership of land by promise to actual possession. He had brought with him the legacy of courageous and righteous leadership that were critical for Israel’s success. In today’s passage, we learn the importance of putting the interest of the community and nation before our own. In doing so, we secure the favor of God over each individual.

Observation

Pass through the midst of the camp and command the people …

Joshua assumed leadership and was about to lead the people to convert land ownership by promise to actual possession. He handed on to the people through their officers the commands he received from the Lord and told them to gather provisions and cross the Jordan within three days. Joshua had emerged from the comfort zone of being an aide to Moses to leader of Israel. There was the excitement of the glorious possibilities that awaited him and at the same time the pressure that came with being commander in chief.

But you shall cross before your brothers in battle array, all your valiant warriors, and shall help them.

In keeping with the spirit of participation of a united Israel, Joshua reminded the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh that though they had received their inheritance east of the Jordan, they must continue to fight with their brothers until they succeeded in conquering the land west of Jordan. The first campaign (Red arrow) was accomplished during the time of Moses. The subsequent campaigns (blue and green arrow) was led by Joshua. Joshua did well in keeping consistent the values that was established by his predecessor.

All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go.

Joshua’s commands were accepted by all Israel with resounding enthusiasm. The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh would leave their families and cattle behind and join ranks with the rest of Israel as one man. There was clear continuity in leadership from Moses to Joshua. The unanimity of support for Joshua’s leadership had surely boosted the morale of all Israel. Their pledge of loyalty and obedience (we will do…. and wherever you send us we will go) included a unanimous agreement that all rebels would be swiftly dealt with. What an encouragement this was to Joshua when all Israel gave him undivided support to lead and conquer without fear: only be strong and courageous.

Truth

The authenticity of a leader is proven by his courage and righteousness in times of crisis. Crisis tests the authenticity and substance of leaders of families, communities, organizations or nations. Crisis either hones a leader’s courage and faith or it forces him to give up. There are leaders who are ordained in the crucible of perilous times to create change. There are also leaders who are put there and propped up by the agenda of their supporters. However, God has a way of using economic and political upheavals to expose leaders of organizations who are opportunistic and self-serving. The two virtues of authentic leadership are courage and righteousness. Courage brings focus and excellence to the organization while righteousness promotes justice and a sense of security to all.

Joshua brought with him a legacy of courageous and righteous leadership that saw Israel through her many crises. Joshua’s insistence on the tribes who had already secured their land to fight alongside with those who have not was exemplary of righteous leadership. His leadership was tested when he rebuked some tribes who were reluctant to stand alongside with those oppressed (Judges 5:16-17).

A courageous leader helps the organization visualize the possibilities of good despite dire circumstances and unites the individuals to work towards it. Such leaders raise the overall energy of the organization while keeping people looking to the future.

A righteous leader brings out the best of every individual in the community by giving them a sense of security in doing what is right. This eliminates internal strife freeing people to focus on doing real work. Unfortunately, there are leaders who are not good judge of characters choosing to vouch for those who package themselves well while neglecting the true contributors.

In times of crisis, a leader has to choose to remain courageous and steadfast or to scale back and retreat. He has to reject the pangs of fear and unbelief in reacting to dangers by turning away from God’s instructions. When a leader is proven faithful in the midst of crisis, God will enlarge his scope of responsibilities and grant him greater favor.

A successful organization has members who put the interest of the whole before their own. It is well known in the Israeli army that no soldier will be left alone to fight and die in the battlefield. In their ethos, individuals will put the interest of the nation before himself. The reverse is also true that the nation will not forsake the welfare of the individual. If members of a family, church community or organization look out only for themselves, it will not be long before you see the disintegration of the entire unit. If members are selfish, they may gain in the short term, but will stand to lose God’s favor in the longer term. Families or organizations that have the spirit of camaraderie are usually happier and more prosperous; they are also less likely to make use of another.

Israel had a standing tradition of putting the interest of the nation before the individual. Even though some tribes received their inheritance before the others did, they were no murmuring or jealousy among them; for they knew full well that all Israel would not rest until every tribe was well settled in their land.

Applications

1. When you heard that someone in your community is going through a financial crisis, what would you do? Particularly in developed nations, people are averse to lending financial assistance to another. People of developing nations on the other hand, are more willing to part with their money. Economic progression has unfortunately caused people to regress in their social responsibility towards one another. Starting with your church community, consider creating a pool of resources that can be drawn upon to help members who are in financial difficulties.
2. You may be a parent, a manager or a minister of church. Evaluate the manner you approach external challenges and internal problems. Do virtues of courage and righteousness undergird your approach to problem solving?

Dear Lord, I understand the importance of putting the interest of the community above my own. Use me to create unity and camaraderie in my community and church. Grant me the Spirit of courage and righteousness in times of crisis so that with faith and perseverance, I may overcome it. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.