Then He inaugurated Joshua the son of Nun, and said, "Be strong and of good courage; for you shall bring the children ofIsreal into the land of which I swore to them, and I will be with you."-Deuteronomy 31:23

Joshua became Isreal's leader during one of the most difficult times in its history. Within days of his appointment, he ledthe nation across the Jordan River into hostile territory and set out to conquer, divide and settle in the land. It was adaunting task and Joshua's success in this enormous assignment lied in these very important reasons:

First of all, Joshua's hunger for God's presence. Joshua often accompanied Moses to the tabernacle of meeting whereGod talked with him face to face. Moses, after hearing from God, would leave and address the people.

But when Joshua came into God's presence in the tabernacle of meeting, he "did not depart from the tabernacle" (Ex. 33:11).Joshua demonstrated a deep passion to be in God's presence. This intimate relationship with God would serve him well in hisdemanding leadership challenges to come.

Secondly, Joshua's commitment to obey God. Of the 12 spies who checked the land in preparation for Isreal's invasion,only Joshua and Caleb encouraged the people to follow God's command to move forward.

Although the 12 spies saw the same obstacles, 10 of the 12 concluded that the people should turn back. Joshua's and Caleb'sresponse (Num. 14:5-9) helps explain why Joshua succeeded as Isreal's leader when he was appointed 40 years later.

Thirdly, Joshua's integrity and character. God (and Moses) established and legitimized Joshua's positional leadershipfor the nation.

God left no question about who was in charge when Moses departed (Josh. 1:1-9). Both Joshua's positional andpersonal power were based on an impeccable life. Joshua's integrity and character were essential to his effectiveness as aleader.

Fourthly, Joshua's discipleship by Moses. There are four passages that call Joshua "Moses" assistant." That revealsan important fact about Joshua's success as a leader. Moses had spent years training his successor. Isreal had a great leaderin Joshua because Moses had the foresight to cultivate and equip him as the next leader.

Finally, Joshua's godliness. Joshua 4:14 says, "On that day the LORD exalted Joshua in the sight of all Isreal; andthey feared him, as they had feared Moses, all the days of his life."

Joshua was a powerful leader because he was a godly leader. Joshua was a godly leader because he was a godly man.

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