Humility

3:7 The LORD said to Joshua, "This day I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, so that they may know that I will be with you as I was with Moses." (Josh. 3:7)

After Moses died, God instructed Joshua to continue what Moses had started, and lead the people into the land God had promised. As daunting as it must have been to move forward without Moses, Joshua already knew he had something - and someone - on his side.

9 Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites listened to him and did what the Lord had commanded Moses. (Duet. 34:9)

In the 2 chapters before God promises to begin to exalt Joshua, Joshua displays the important characteristic of being obedient to God. Humility both comes from obedience to God and enables obedience to God. We can not effectively lead others if we don't know the way, and we can not effectively be led if we think we already know the way.

Joshua followed the example of Moses, and fully trusted God to lead him as he led the people of Israel. God honored Joshua's obedience with God's continued presence and wisdom.

All knowing, ever-present God, help us to rest in your wisdom

and faithfully follow your lead.

23:12 All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted. (Matt. 23:12)