As leadership is shifted to Joshua he must take the bull by the horns, as they say. Joshua 1:6-7 & 9, “Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest.”

Then Joshua had to be a man of the book. Joshua 1:8, “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate there in day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”

No spiritual leader can lead without the spiritual book, the Bible. It is note worthy to mention that Joshua was a servant to Moses as Moses was a servant to the Lord, Joshua 1:1a, “Now after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord it came to pass, that the Lord spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses minister, saying,”. Numbers 11:28a, “And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses”. Those who would be advanced to lead must first be proved to be a servant of servants. God who knows the end form the beginning already has a replacement picked out for every leader.

It seems great movements of God are built on strong leadership or personalities. But many times the church or movement weakens or disappears when that leader dies or leaves for one reason or another. Now the question is why? Did the leader stay to long? Did he not train or look for a replacement? Maybe the people did not recognize the next leader as God’s man.

For whatever reason and I believe there are many the transition of leadership suffers a set back. I believe the answer to correct this problem is found in our example concerning Moses and Joshua. Let’s examine it again. The past leader is to let go of his position with is blessing passed on to the next leader before he dies. The followers accept the decision as God’s perfect will or plan for them. God specially anoints the next leader with the spirit of wisdom. Then the new leader has the courage and strength to lead and the work goes on not even missing a beat.

I know what you’re thinking that’s too simple and life has too many variables when it comes to leadership transfers. I would agree but we do have a model to work from and an all powerful God.

So let’s have more smooth transitions.

Anchor Baptist Church

456 Jamison Rd.

Washington Court House, OH

740-333-7777