(a) State the instructions God gave to Joshua on Joshua's assumption of leadership over Israel.
(b) Briefly explain the various lessons political leaders can learn from Joshua's experience.
Explanation
A. God's instructions to Joshua on his assumption of leadership over lsrael (Numbers 27:15-23;Joshua 1:1-9): .
i When Moses was about to exit the leadership position of lsrael, he prayed to God to appoint his Successor in order not to leave the people like sheep without a shepherd.
ii, So, the Lord ordered Moses to take Joshua, the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit and lay hand on him.
iii. Joshua was to be brought before Eleazar the priest and the entire assembly to be commissioned.
iv. Moses did as was commanded by the Lord and Joshua was brought before Eleazar the priest and the whole assembly who commissioned and laid hand on him.
V. God then promised to give Joshua every place that the sole of his feet would tread.
vi. The territory extending from the desert to Lebanon and from the great river, Euphrates to the Great Sea.
vi. The Lord promised to be with Joshua as He was with Moses.
vii. And no one would be able to stand against him all the days of his life.
ix. Joshua was to be strong and courageous as he would lead the Israelites to inherit the land promised their forefathers.
x. He was to be careful to obey all the law Moses gave him to be successful wherever he went.
xi. Joshua was to make sure the book of the law never departed from his mouth but to meditate upon it day and night.
xii. He was to apply the law in everything to be prosperous and successful
xiii. Joshua was to be courageous and strong and not to be terrified or discouraged, for the Lord would be with him wherever he went.
B Lessons political leaders can learn from Joshua's experience:
1. Political leaders should not impose successors but allow God to lead in making such a choice
ii. They should help the people to elect leaders who are goal-oriented and people-oriented
iii Political leaders should know when enough is enough and retire honourably
iv. They should be interested in grooming people who can take over from them.
v Like Moses, they should show confidence in the authority and abilities of their successors to rule
vi. They must be confident that they can only succeed when they observe God's prescriptions
vii Political leaders should be patient as they wait to assume leadership positions and not take power through evil manipulations or by force of arms
viii Political leaders should be courageous and obedient in all they do
