Written by Nilaurys García, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Canada
When we think of Joshua and Moses, probably the first thing that comes to mind is that because Moses could not enter the promised land, Joshua was chosen by God to lead the people as it says in Deuteronomy 31:3 (NIV), "The Lord your God himself will cross over ahead of you. He will destroy these nations before you, and you will take possession of their land. Joshua also will cross over ahead of you, as the Lord said."
Joshua carried a great responsibility on his shoulders, and for that God prepared him, giving him Moses as an example and mentor. Even the people recognized this, as we read in Joshua 1:16-18.
Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you. Only may the Lord your God be with you as he was with Moses. Whoever rebels against your word and does not obey it, whatever you may command them, will be put to death. Only be strong and courageous!
I would be a little afraid if I were Joshua having to carry the responsibility of leading a nation, even with God's help.
The interesting thing about this relationship is that Moses did not believe he was prepared for everything that God called him to do. But God also put people in Moses’ path from whom he learned, and he then passed on his knowledge to Joshua. For example, he learned from his father-in-law Jethro that he should teach about the law and delegate the task of being judges to the people (Ex. 18:13-26). In addition, he learned to recognize Jehovah's sovereignty and that His promises are always fulfilled as expressed in Joshua 23:14-16.
I think what strikes me the most about Moses' example was that he accepted a task that he did not think he was qualified for. Moses reminds God that it is not easy for him to speak, as if it were necessary to tell the Almighty God something about His own creation, and God responds that HE created him that way.
Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”(Ex. 4:10-12)
Moses' life is a constant reminder that God is in control of everything; his birth to being raised in Egypt gave him the tools necessary to carry out God’s purpose.
All that Moses went through served as an example to form the character of Joshua, who, at the death of Moses, had to lead the people and assume the position that his predecessor had before. In addition, he had the privilege of being called, "Moses’ aide" in Joshua 1:1. "After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide”. God also reminded Joshua that just as He was with Moses, He will also be with him. "No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Josh. 1:5).
Joshua had to apply all these teachings when he led the conquest of Jericho in Joshua 6:2-5 so the Israelites could take possession of the city. They were to march around the walls once a day for six days, and on the seventh day, when they marched, the walls would fall at the sound of the trumpets and the cry of the warriors.
I believe that just as Joshua had Moses, we all have had key people that God has placed in our lives to learn from. Their teaching and example helps us draw closer to our Heavenly Father. Do you remember who these people have been in your life?
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