A. THEIR SIMILARITIES
1. Both began ministry in God’s presence. Moses: “God called out of the midst of the bush” (Exodus 3:4). Joshua: “The Lord spoke unto Joshua … arise, go over this Jordan” (Joshua 1:1-2).
2. What is a call from God?
a. Burden
b. Desire
c. Fruit – usefulness
3. Both saw a Christophany (appearance of Christ). Moses, “The Angel of the Lord appeared to him (Exodus 3:2). Joshua “Joshua fell on his face … worship … what saith my Lord” (Joshua 5:14).
4. The leadership of Moses led Israel out of Egypt, Joshua led them into Canaan.
5. Led the people over a body of water. Moses: “Lift up thy rod … over the sea … go on dry ground through the sea” (Exodus 14-16). Joshua: “All the people passed over on dry ground … over Jordan” (Joshua 3:3-17).
6. Interpreted God’s will. Moses: “The Lord said unto Moses … Moses spoke to the children of Israel (Exodus 6:1, 9). Joshua: “The Lord spoke unto Joshua … pass over before the Lord your God” (Joshua 4:1, 5).
7. God used their influence. Moses: “Israel saw … and they believed the Lord and His servant Moses” (Exodus 14:31). Joshua: “The Lord magnified Joshua in the sight of all Israel, and they feared him” (Joshua 4:14).
8. Both needed reassurance. Moses sent 12 spies into Canaan – Numbers 13:47, Joshua sent 2 men to spy in Jericho (2:1).
9. Moses gave two and a half tribes land on the east side of the Jordan River. Joshua confirmed the same.
10. Both called the servant of the Lord – Moses (Numbers 12:7-8), Joshua – (Joshua 24:29).
11. Both gave a final speech – Moses (Deuteronomy 32:1-43, 33:1-29), Joshua (Joshua 23:1-16).
a. Recorded
b. Challenge – faithfulness
c. Future
B. DIFFERENCES
Moses Joshua
First generation Second generation
Ministered in the wilderness Ministered in the land
Followers had been slaves Followers raised in freedom
Moses held up rod alone Joshua talked with elders
Moses lifted arms over battle Joshua sent Levites around Jericho
Moses lifted rod over Red Sea Joshua sent Levites into river bottom
Rebellion against Moses was judged by God Rebellion judged by corporate punishment of all Israel
Moses interceded alone when people sinned Joshua and elders prayed
Enemies afraid of Moses Gibeonites negotiated with Joshua
C. OBVIOUS LESSONS
1. The family background and cultural experiences prepared both leaders differently to do a different task in a different way for God’s people to go forward.
2. A leader coming out of an anti-Christian background will be prepared differently to serve God than those raised in Christian homes. He/she will have different motivations.
3. Different leaders have different strengths and God uses a leader accordingly to his giftedness (both spiritual and natural talents).
4. Leaders are equipped to minister to those of his/her generation. God reaches people where they are and lifts them to where they should be.
5. Because culture changes from generation to generation, it takes a new kind of leader to reach each new generation.
6. When a first-generation leader dies, the remaining first-generation congregation should not expect the second generation leader to minister in the exact same way.
7. There is no one perfect way to do ministry.
8. Second generation leaders will be more effective when they carry out the vision of the first-generation leader, but do it in their unique way.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
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