Daily in the Word

During the American Revolution, a man in civilian clothes rode past a group of soldiers repairing a small defensive...

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. 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.”

Joshua 1:5–7

Importance does not come through a job or title but through the task to be accomplished.

During the American Revolution, a man in civilian clothes rode past a group of soldiers repairing a small defensive barrier. Their leader was shouting instructions but making no attempt to help them. When the rider asked why he did not help, he retorted with great dignity, “Sir, I am a corporal!” The stranger apologized, dismounted, and proceeded to help the exhausted soldiers. The job done, he turned to the corporal and said, “Mr. Corporal, next time you have a job like this and not enough men to do it, go to your commander-in-chief, and I will come and help you again.” It was none other than George Washington.

George Washington showed that he was not only a great leader but also a great servant. In fact, it was his servant’s attitude that endeared him to many early Americans. His willingness to help others paved the way for his leadership of others.

Another historical figure who was a servant leader was Joshua. As we saw yesterday, Joshua was chosen to lead the children of Israel when Moses died. His task would not be to lead them through the wilderness, but through many intense battles in their obedience to God’s command to occupy the Promised Land.

But why did God choose Joshua? In a time when so many from Joshua’s generation were not permitted to see the Promised Land, why did God select him to lead the Israelites? Over the next two days, let’s look at four characteristics of Joshua’s life that proved he was ready to lead God’s chosen people.

Today, notice that Joshua was a servant. Exodus 24:12–13 says, “And the LORD said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them. And Moses rose up, and his minister Joshua: and Moses went up into the mount of God.” While Moses was on the mountain praying with God, Joshua waited alone at the base of the mountain.

There was no task too great for Joshua to attempt nor too small for him to accomplish. From the beginning, the Bible paints Joshua as a picture of servanthood of Joshua. He was Moses’ right-hand man, his confidant, his servant. He didn’t lobby for leadership or demand to be placed in control; he was content to aid and assist Moses in any way possible.

Are you a servant? Are you content serving God where He has you, or do you often complain about the role of service you’ve been given? There’s not greater task than serving the King of kings. The Creator of the world wants you to help advance His kingdom. What a great responsibility! Importance does not come through a job or title but through the task to be accomplished. Rather than complaining about how you’re serving, thank God that you have the ability to serve Him. As you continue serving Christ today, remember Matthew 19:30, “But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.”

To learn more about the ministries of Lancaster Baptist Church and Pastor Chappell, please visit lancasterbaptist.org.

To learn more about Pastor Paul Chappell and his ministry, please visit paulchappell.com or follow him on twitter.  

Daily Bible Reading
Nehemiah 12-13 • Acts 4:23-37