BOLD Ministry

What did Joshua do when he heard about the defeat of Israelites to Ai?

Lesson 1 – He didn’t focus on the emotional state of the people. Leaders should not look to those following for their personal affirmation. They shouldn’t ignore people but only God can provide an accurate understanding of the situation. Spiritual leadership is not about being elected by others, but selected by the Lord.

Lesson 2 – Humility affords Joshua the access to the Lord for the answer. Remember: the key is not getting your will done, but getting the information that is affecting your results, and thus ‘Thy will be done.’

Lesson 3 – Leadership calls for leaders to model repentance. The do and the who have to be concomitant.

Lesson 4 – Leadership is rarely about the position that you hold but the relationship that you maintain with the Lord. Joshua thought nothing of tearing his clothes, which must have represented his position and authority, so that he could put himself in the position of receiving from God. Joshua was more concerned with his standing before God than his standing among people. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Joshua could have challenged God and have been angry at God, but he chose the better way.
Lesson 5 – Leadership in this case involved a physical aspect of humbling. Joshua fell to the ground. As the leader goes, so do the people. Lessons in repentance are more important than the lessons in victory. Proverbs 1 states:

29 Because they hated knowledge And did not choose the fear of the Lord,

30 They would have none of my counsel And despised my every rebuke.

31 Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, And be filled to the full with their own fancies.

32 For the turning away of the simple will slay them, And the complacency of fools will destroy them;

33 But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, And will be secure, without fear of evil."

Lesson 6 – Leadership involves focusing on the solution and not the problem. Joshua faced the ark. God ultimately holds the solutions to the problems we face.

Lesson 7 – Leadership is often more a matter of waiting than it is acting. Joshua waited before the Lord.

Lesson 8 – Leadership is about asking the hard questions. Joshua was transparent enough to ask God why, but also was receptive enough to hear the “because.” Some of us are quick to ask why, but not submitted enough to hear the answer God is speaking.