A SIGN OF A GREAT LEADER

Is the legacy they leave behind!

JOSHUA.

(Joshua is found in the Old Testament in the Bible).

Joshua was now very old. He had taken over the leadership from Moses whom God had used mightily. Now it was time for Joshua to hand over the Leadership to someone else as he was very old.

A leader is remembered by what they leave behind, they call it a legacy.  Today’s world leaders want to leave behind a name and self- glory but this was not the case with Joshua. He left behind instructions and a stern warning from God.  A sign of a true leader.

Joshua summoned all the elders, leaders, judges and officials and said to them. God has protected and defended you up to this day.

I am now very old, be strong and obey the commandments in the Book of the Law of Moses, keep your eyes fixed on God. Do not associate with nations among you that mention the names of their gods. You must not serve them or bow down to them. Do not intermarry with them. But you are to hold fast to the lord your God as you have done until now. Be careful to love your God.

Joshua was leaving behind him some very strong words and stern a warning to the people of Israel. God had done so much for them and delivered them. He said to the people, they must keep their eyes fixed on God. They were to keep their minds away from all the distractions. He also strongly warned them that they were not to inter marry. This issue about inter marriage was because people may stray from their God to other gods.

Samson fell into this this trap of an inter faith relationship with Delilah. Delilah worshipped Egyptian gods while Samson was a Nazarite who worshiped his God. Delilah was attractive and enticed Samson away from his God. This relationship had dire consequence for Samson. Friendships that draw us away from God are not healthy for us.

Today the big question is who do we choose to worship?  There are more subtle gods for example, materialism. greed and selfishness. These gods are dangerous because we can’t see them and we do not bow down to them but they can take number one place in our lives.

God wants your worship. Satan is also after your worship. Satan tempted Jesus. He took Jesus to the highest point on the mountain. He showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world. He said to Jesus, “I will give you all these kingdoms if you worship me.?” Jesus replied, “It is written worship the Lord your God and serve only him.”

God wants your worship and mine. Joshua was a true leader who did not seek self-glory but God’s Glory. It is the same message for us today-keep your eyes on God, do not look to your right or your left. God’s blessings are there when we follow him as he promised.

  Prayer

Dear God,

Help me to keep my eyes on you.

Help me to not to look to my right or my left.

By harbajan (servant of Jesus)

www.godislove.me.uk

25/08/25