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The Leadership ChallengeSample

The Leadership Challenge

DAY 10 OF 50

  

Challenge 10

JOSHUA: A WISE WARRIOR-COMMANDER

READ: Joshua 10:1—11:23

In our reading we pick up the story of Israel’s conquest of the promised land. After an initial success and a few setbacks, Joshua is now in full stride as Israel’s spiritual and military leader. Demonstrating brilliant strategic thought, Joshua makes quick strikes against key southern cities in Canaan, avoiding drawn-out sieges and disrupting enemy coalitions. In a short time, he conquers all of southern Canaan. He then moves on to Hazor and northern Canaan. Even though Israel faces a powerful coalition army equipped with horses and chariots, the Lord grants them victory. God commands them to burn the chariots and hamstring the horses so they cannot be used in battle (11:6–9). That seems like an unusual command. Why not incorporate the captured assets into their own force? The Lord reinforces that Israel’s identity is not primarily to be a warrior nation. God wants to ensure that they do not rely on weapons of war but continue to depend on His power. We will see this theme again.

Wise commanders use their military skills fully but always remember that a battle’s outcome is the Lord’s to determine. How does Joshua demonstrate effective leadership in our reading? Which of Joshua’s leadership skills do you need to work on?

Day 9Day 11

About this Plan

The Leadership Challenge

The Bible doesn’t discuss leadership like a popular business book. However, since God is the creator of everything that exists as well as the rules and processes by which everything works, the Scriptures do provide principles and examples that give us insight and wisdom into effective leadership. The social and cultural backgrounds of the Bible are different than ours, but the Scriptures contain truth that transcends time and space.

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