Joshua's Respectful Attitude Toward Moses

Complimentary Story
   Joshua had every right to be angry.  Along with eleven other spies sent by Moses to check out the Promised Land which God said He was giving to the nation of Israel, only Joshua and Caleb returned and said, “Let’s go get that land; it’s ours!” (Numbers 13 and 14).  The remaining ten spies convinced Moses and the nation of Israel to not go get that land because those people in that land were HUGE and the spies were like grasshoppers in comparison.  Rather than trusting God, Israel ended up on a forty-year detour to get into the Promised Land.

   Everyone would die in the desert except for Joshua and Caleb and those under twenty years of age at the time because of their disobedience.  How would you have felt if you were Joshua and Caleb?  Would you have caused an uprising any time in those forty years against the leadership that cemented the decision that you would be going around in circles for forty years?  It is very hard to submit to authority when they make terrible decisions.  

   In addition, Joshua became Moses’ right hand man.  He stood with Moses for all those years.  What is amazing is nowhere do we read that Joshua ever grumbled in public about that decision nor did he ever create a rebellion to overtake Moses.  

   Think about that.  Sure we probably could keep our mouth shut for a few days when we know an authority figure has made a dumb decision even if it directly impacts us.  But for forty years?!  In the age of instant messaging and the technology to shoot off our mouths (and have the world see or read about it) without ever confronting the person we are speaking against, the probability of keeping our thoughts to ourselves and ripping into our leaders minimize quickly.

   Joshua had the integrity and humble attitude to keep his mouth shut.  Now he might have spoken to Moses privately about his viewpoint after that day in Numbers 13, but it did not affect his job performance.  After speaking to our authorities about a decision made, can we accept the results and continue to be a team player, especially when the decision has negative consequences on us?  

   Recall Daniel in Daniel 1.  He went to his palace official and told the official that he could not eat the food being offered to the guys.  At the same time Daniel had an alternative plan to try and if it failed, Daniel and his three friends would eat the food placed before them by the royal chef.  

   How could Daniel and Joshua have such attitudes?  They had relationships with God that were developing, and they trusted in the sovereignty of God.  Both were doing what they believed God would have them do and trusting God that God was in control.  They knew that when they did the right thing in the sight of God, they could suffer for doing right and were okay with that.  Jesus did the same thing here on earth and He did it for us (1 Peter 3:18).  

   Joshua faithfully served Moses for forty years, “had Moses’ back” all the time and during that time was being prepared to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land.  He never grumbled about Moses and had a clear conscience in his relationship with Moses and God.  That, my friend, is invaluable!

Learn how to email this article to others