ICS Daily Devotions
Leader in the Making
Exodus 17:13-15 (NKJV) So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write this for a memorial in the book and recount it in the hearing of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.” And Moses built an altar and called its name, The-Lord-Is-My-Banner.
Why did God ask Moses to “Write this for a memorial in the book and recount it in the hearing of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.”?
The Lord was preparing Joshua to be the next leader to lead the new generation of Israelites. Just as Moses had to extend his staff and ask the Israelites to move forward even before the Red Sea parted, Joshua and the army of Israel had to move out for battle against the Amalekites in order to experience the Lord’s deliverance for their first battle two months after leaving Egypt. There would be many obstacles ahead of Joshua including the fortified wall of Jericho and the giants in the land. It was not a task for the faint-hearted. God needed someone who had a different spirit and was full of faith to believe in the impossible. Someone who was not moved by the sight of giants and believed that his God is greater than any obstacle. Therefore, Joshua had to listen to how the Lord had led them to victory and He is their Jehovah Nissi, their victory banner!
Romans 10:17 (NKJV) So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Faith comes by hearing and hearing of God’s word, God’s faithfulness and deliverance. Faith is anchored on God’s word and being convinced of His character to fulfill whatever He has spoken. The just shall live by faith.
Many of the great men of God were patient in waiting for God’s timing to promote them even though they knew of their calling and abilities. David was one of the prominent people whose career ending path was to be the King of Israel. He had multiple victories under his belt and the adoration of the people. The women sang and danced to the tune of “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” 1 Samuel 18:7 (NKJV) David wasn’t in a rush to take over the throne despite being hunted by King Saul without reason. Likewise, Joshua could have become proud in his first conquest against the Amalekites. God had a plan for Joshua and his faith needed to be built up in order to undertake greater exploits for Him. The Lord asked Moses to document their experience and read it to Joshua. Joshua had to listen to the faithfulness of God in order for Him to have a different spirit from the rest of them.
We should learn to be a good support to our leaders before God promotes us to the calling that He has purposed for us. God will also provide us with a good team possessing the right attitude when it is our appointed time to be promoted. There is safety in God’s timing.
Sermon Series: Life Lessons
