Joshua 1: Listening to the Lord

God did not leave the people of Israel without a leader after Moses’ death. Instead, He gave them Joshua, a man who loved and served God.

Listening to the Lord

Joshua was a leader who embodied the three key aspects of leadership—he was a steward, a shepherd, and a servant who wanted to know God better (see Exodus 33:11).

Joshua’s relationship with the Lord enabled him to take over as Moses’ successor. He knew that wherever He went, the Lord was with him. He was following hard after the Lord, seeking to know Him and love Him more as he led the people of Israel.

When we look at the example of Joshua, we can see that true leadership involves following after God and listening to Him. We may be tempted by popularity, power, or prestige, but the key to true success is resting in the Lord. Knowing and loving God is far more important than an external, worldly accomplishments we may make.

Obeying the Lord

Another part of Joshua’s success came from obeying the Lord. He knew that obedience is the pathway to God’s presence. Obedience is an expression of love, trust, and intimacy with God. As John 14:15 says, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (NASB95).

For this reason, God commands Joshua to meditate on the book of the law day and night, being careful to obey what is in it (Joshua 1:8). Likewise, we need to meditate on God’s Word. After all, obedience goes against the grain of our own desires, so we need to train ourselves up in the Word of God in order to grow closer to Him. We cannot do this alone; we have to do so through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Looking for resources to help you listen to God and learn how to obey? Check out A Guide to Practicing God’s Presence.

This teaching is based on Ken’s Handbook to Scripture. 

Related Reading:

• Joshua 1
• Ken Boa’s summary of Joshua 1

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