Getting the Message
It was enjoyable to be with the Foothills Republican Club at their event last night in Morrison. It had been more than two years since I had seen many in this group. It was a nice “reunion” of sorts and everyone was very supportive and gracious. There were several current and former local, county and state elected leaders present, and I was humbled to be with them once again.
After a big day yesterday, we had a leisurely morning. We attended the late service at Timberline and then joined Doug and Ruth Clark and some friends to honor Doug and wish him a happy birthday. I made Doug’s acquaintance on Wednesday nights at Timberline this past winter and spring. Doug is the first Assemblies of God Missionary to Turkey and served in a leadership position for Assemblies of God World Missions for a number of years.
As much as it is an honor to be among and known by some publicly elected officials, it is even a greater honor to share the company of those who have impacted the world for the cause of Christ.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…“Then Moses called Joshua and said to him in front of the people, “Be strong and brave, because you will lead these people into the land the Lord promised to give their ancestors, and help them take it as their own.” Deuteronomy 31:7 .
[The Lord said] “Joshua, be strong and brave! You must lead these people so they can take the land that I promised their fathers I would give them. Be strong and brave.” Joshua 1:6,7
“Then the people answered Joshua….We ask only that the Lord your God be with you just as he was with Moses. Whoever refuses to obey your commands or turns against you will be put to death. Just be strong and brave!” Joshua 1:16-18
The challenge of leadership can be great. The challenge of succeeding a great leader is even greater. Those who are wise seek out and listen to the advice of others as they assume a position of leadership. I can recall when I served in the Colorado House and the Republicans took over as the majority party. It was time for our members to step up into leadership positions. I remember Amy Stephens, who was the new Majority Leader, sharing about conversations and input she had sought from several former majority leaders. I remember that the impression was, “she is taking this seriously and she is prepared!”
That is the type of situation Joshua found himself in when Moses died and he assumed the leadership over God’s people. He had the responsibility of finishing the task of conquering the promised land. It was no small assignment, and even though he had been by Moses side for forty years, it was difficult to be fully prepared for the challenge.
What I noticed that caught my attention was not just the admonition, “to be strong and courageous”; but how it is repeated by three different sources. The challenge is first spoken to Joshua by Moses during the “transition of power” ceremony. Next the message is spoken by the Lord Himself, when Moses is dead, as He affirms His presence being with Joshua. Finally, the people pledge to follow Joshua’s leadership and together they say, “be strong and courageous.”
I have received a lot of advice and input regarding my leadership as a pastor and a legislator over the years, but I never heard the same words from different sources. So. I’m confident that as Joshua began his leadership he knew if nothing else, he needed to be “strong and courageous.”
Joshua knew the challenges Moses faced in leading a reluctant and fickle group of wilderness nomads and that would require strength of leadership, character and patience. He knew that before him would be one battle after another and that this would require a courage for himself and the people that was only possible through the Lord’s help.
After reading Joshua 1 this morning, I listen to Missionary Doug Clark this afternoon as he shared with me his own experience. Doug was a veteran and pioneer missionary to Turkey. He was in the midst of preparing for a role in a major Bible translation project. However, over the course of several months, he had three different individuals tell him that he would be the next Area Director for the Mid-East and Northern Africa. This was not a position he was seeking or even feeling that he wanted to fill. But when he received a phone call asking him to accept the position, he felt like the Lord had prepared him to be willing to accept the opportunity. He faithfully served in this leadership position for 24 years!
The Lord doesn’t always speak as vividly as three different confirmations of the same message, but when it happens, it should get our attention. If may be a call, position or challenge that we are not seeking; it may be one that we are accepting as a result of the request or selection process of others; or one that “just comes our way.” Regardless of the circumstances it is important for us not to “miss the message” and thereby miss the opportunity to be used strategically of the Lord. You can be confident that where the “Lord guides, He provides.”