Joshua was an audacious leader. To be audacious means that one is extremely bold or daring, unconventional, insolent or brazen. This trait, of course, can reveal our absolute stupidity or unleash a racidal God-honoring faith. There is a fine line between the two. Joshua knew the difference well.
Joshua chapter one gives us some insight into how Joshua was audacious for the things of God:
1. He saw the absolute futility of failing to radically obey God. His past 40 years were spent in the wilderness with the disobedient Israelites. Can you imagine how difficult this must have been for Joshua? Even though he was ready to risk his life for God’s purposes 40 years earlier, the majority decided to turn back from the Promised Land. They failed to cross the Jordan, choosing to waste away in the wilderness for the next four decades. He watched with sorrowfilled regret as an average of 170 died every day, week after week for 40 years straight. Now standing on the banks of the Jordan River with a new ready generation behind him, he is filled with righteous resolve to never let another life be wasted.
Joshua then commanded the officers of Israel, “Go through the camp and tell the people to get their provisions ready. In three days you will cross the Jordan River and take possession of the land the LORD your God is giving you.” (Joshua 1:10-11)
The leader’s command is calling this new generation to follow hard after God–to do something their parents were unwilling to do–to make their life count for something eternal! This was an audacious statement. Quite frankly, it was something Moses did’t even do, even though such a righteous man and greatly accomplished. But Joshua has seen the utter waste of disobedience, the futility of fearing God’s radical plan, and the pain of wasted lives. These things have infused him with audaciousness, calling people to join him in being extremely bold and daring, unconventional and brazen.
There are few things more sad than a wasted life. Dont let it happen to you. Be audacious!
2. Joshua was audacious because he had heard from God. In the verses preceding his audacious command to prepare to cross the Jordan, God speaks clearly to Joshua.
“Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. Be strong and very courageous.” (Joshua 1:6-7)
What a difference if makes when you know you’ve heard from God. Joshua heard, trusted, and acted upon it. It made him audacious. He was ready and willing to call people to greatness because he KNEW God was in it.
It’s easy to miss God’s voice. We have so much “noise” around us all the time–a pace of life that encourages dullness to God. But He still speakes…every day. When we’ve heard His voice, we will become audacious for His glory.
SO REMEMBER JOSHUA. He was an audacious leader because
he was gripped by the futility of wasted lives,
he knew he had heard God’s voice.