Joshua 24:31, “Israel served the Lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him and who had experienced everything the Lord had done for Israel.”
God appointed Joshua as Moses’ successor before he died. Joshua’s assignment was to bring about God’s promise to Israel by conquering the enemies of God and taking possession of the promise land. His life can be summed up with two bookend verses. Just like how a bookshelf has to ends that keep all the books in standing order- so it is true with these two verses concerning Joshua. These two verses help us understand all that Joshua accomplished as Israel’s leader.
The first bookend verse comes at the beginning of his life and the other at the end. Everything that Joshua did as a leader comes in-between these two powerful verses. The first bookend verse of Joshua’s life is found in Joshua 1:8 when God told him, “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” This verse at the beginning of Joshua’s leadership, God gave him the secret to success, which was to keep God’s law.
The second bookend verse is found in Joshua 24:25 at the end of his life, which reads, “On that day Joshua made a covenant for the people, and there at Shechem he reaffirmed for them decrees and laws.” Joshua’s last accomplishment as Israel’s leader was to reaffirm God’s covenant with Israel and remind them to keep all of His laws and decrees.
From beginning to end, the secret of Joshua’s success as a leader was to be obedient to God’s commands.
Joshua led by example first in his own house and then with those around him; even with the whole nation of Israel (Joshua 24:15). As Christ’s disciples, you and I are called to be leaders. People should follow what we say and do because our lives line up with God’s Word. A wise man once said, “You can’t give what you don’t have.” If we want to impart a standard of godly living to others we must first have a godly life. I pray that your life is an example to others, just like how Joshua’s life is an example to everyone who reads the Bible.
Reflection
Do you lead others by your Christ-like example?
Action
- Repent if you haven’t been a good leader because of sin and hypocrisy.
- Make a decision like Joshua, that by faith you and your house will serve the Lord.
- By faith, choose to lead others by your Christ-like example.
One Year Reading Plan
Ezekiel 18:1-19:14, Hebrews 9:1-10, Psalm 106:32-48, & Proverbs 27:10. Click here to read online.
