Do You Have the Right Attitude?
ICS Daily Devotions
Exodus 33:11b (NKJV) But his servant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, did not depart from the tabernacle.
Someone once said, “Attitude will determine your altitude.” Aaron was assigned to Moses to help him since Moses complained that he stuttered and had difficulty communicating with the Pharaoh. Although Aaron was given the opportunity to serve with one of the most outstanding leaders in history, he failed to retain the position when he spoke against Moses with Miriam when pride got the better of him. Aaron was also instrumental in creating the golden calf when Moses was delayed in coming down from the mountain after speaking with God. He led the people astray.
In contrast, while serving alongside Moses, Joshua had the right attitude towards God. Joshua was with Moses when he received the Ten Commandments, and he stayed in the tent of meeting when God spoke to Moses face to face. Joshua was subsequently given leadership when Moses died and failed to enter the Promised Land.
Choosing leadership succession is easier when someone has been proven faithful, is of the same spirit, and has the right attitude. Joshua ended his calling well. Those who started working with you need not necessarily be the ones to finish the project with you. Even if they are given opportunities, people can make mistakes. Therefore, take your time with an opportunity given to you, know your position, and the time for promotion will come when we are proven the right candidate for the role.
The saying “the experience of yesterday is a preparation for tomorrow” holds true for Joshua because he listened to God when He spoke to Moses face to face. Joshua got to know God by listening, and faith comes by hearing God’s Word. He got to know God’s character and attributes. Joshua had a different spirit but it did not happen by chance. His time spent in God’s presence caused him to be different from the ten other spies when he was sent to spy on the Promised Land. Joshua’s achieving faith is well documented in the Bible.
Daniel 11:32b (NJKV) says “…the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits”, and Joshua did just that. Joshua led an entirely new generation to take the Promised Land despite needing to conquer the giants in the land. He knew that the presence of God would be with him as he led the Israelites to conquer the land promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He would have heard Moses say to God, “If your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here” (Exodus 33:15, NJKV). Similarly, let us strengthen our faith, believing that God’s presence will be present when we draw near to Him daily.
Sermon Series: the Presence of God
