Deuteronomy 34 and Joshua 1 mark the passing of the mantle of leadership from Moses to Joshua. The book of Joshua is a book of victory characterized by possessing and occupying the land. The book records entering the land, overcoming obstacles, and occupying the land. Many great victories are noted in the book of Joshua with the man Joshua being the key figure in the book. This is a record of his leadership. Servant Leadership is what made Joshua great.

Joshua had victorious preparation for ministry. He was one of the 12 spies at Kadesh-Barnea (Numbers 13). Except for Joshua and Caleb, everyone gave an evil report and said that the land could not be occupied. In Exodus 24:13 we learn that Joshua served as Moses' minister during Israel's journeys. In Exodus 17 he led the army in battle against Amalek. His name went from Oshea or Hoshea to Joshua meaning Jehovah is Salvation. Due to Joshua's faith, he and Caleb were permitted to enter the Promised Land.

Tradition says that Joshua became the leader of Israel at 85 and died at 110. He spent seven years conquering the land and the remainder of his life dividing up the inheritance and ruling the nation. Joshua clearly obeyed God and had God's blessing on his life.

When his leadership was challenged with the sin of Achan and the failure at Ai, he rent his clothes and put ashes on his head, signs of mourning. The site Shebarim means "broken places." Even though Joshua questioned God, he obeyed God by finding the violater, destroyed the accursed thing, and punished Achan and his family. God's instructions were followed and then Ai was defeated (Joshua 8).

Joshua concluded his life and ministry victoriously (Joshua 23-24). He reminded Israel of what God had done and gave a great end of life statement "as for me and my house we will serve the Lord." Because of Joshua's leadership, the nation of Israel served God after his death.

I see servant leadership modeled by Joshua. He spent 85 years in preparation and service and only 25 years in a major leadership role. Throughout his life, he had a servant's attitude, was a person of character, obeyed God, and was single-focused. At strategic times he exemplified a servant's spirit and heart. When the people failed at Ai, he did not blame them but showed humility and mourning. He took responsibility which is a mark of servant leadership. Joshua models for us servant leadership and not arrogant leadership.

Next week, Part III of Arrogant Leadership, discusses Samson and King Saul as examples of the arrogance of leadership.