Thursdays with Joshua

Joshua 24:32-33

³² The bones of Joseph, which the children of Israel had brought up out of Egypt, they buried at Shechem, in the plot of ground which Jacob had bought from the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for one hundred pieces of silver, and which had become an inheritance of the children of Joseph.

³³ And Eleazar the son of Aaron died. They buried him in a hill belonging to Phinehas his son, which was given to him in the mountains of Ephraim.

The book of Joshua ends with a reminder that none of us leads alone. No matter how prominent others might perceive us to be, there is always a history before us and those who lead along with us.

Joseph’s passion was to have his bones carried to Israel’s future home. His passion for that day and his faith that such a day would come inspired his generation and spoke to this latter generation who finally had settled in the land. Without vision like that we see in Joseph, the people would not have been ready for the exploits they would have in their conquests.

And Eleazer, the descendant of the priestly line of Aaron, played a large role as well. Just as Aaron had stood by Moses, Eleazar had stood by Joshua, providing spiritual counsel and leadership to Israel’s effort to worship God. His name would never be a household word among those who study these stories, but he and several others played a significant part in Joshua’s leadership team.

Never forget those who stand with you in your efforts to lead your family, your work, your church, and your community. None of us stands alone. Those who achieve the greatest influence in life are those who find themselves surrounded by the best people. Give thanks for them today and determine to be your best so others’ leadership can be blessed.

– Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network of the Assemblies of God.