Mentored
The first time we meet Joshua in the Bible, he is a young man being mentored by Moses. It is an interesting scenario. They are fighting the Amalekites who are a cruel and dangerous enemy.Moses' mentoring includes:
- Simple instructions: "Pick some men for the fight"
- Reassurance: "God and me will be watching over you from the hill"
- Behind the scenes support: Holding up the staff is a symbol of prayer and intercession
- Putting a team behind Joshua: Aaron and Hur support Moses as he supports Joshua
- Giving Joshua credit: From the behind-the-scenes we know that Joshua would never have won if it were not for God and Moses' team supporting him, but Moses credits Joshua with the victory
This kind of mentoring is vital - it is the process by which leaders are formed. What is doubly-vital is that Moses' leadership demonstrates clearly to Joshua, Aaron and Hur that it is all about God and not about Moses. Moses might have prayed for the strength to hold up his arms, but he allows himself to show weakness and he allows Aaron and Hur to help him. He could have emphasised his role as intercessor, but he lets Joshua shine.
How can you be a good mentor to people in your life?
Have you had a good mentor? Maybe its time to thank God for them...
| Moses said to Joshua, "Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands." 10 So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. 11 As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. 12 When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up--one on one side, one on the other--so that his hands remained steady till sunset. 13 So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword. (Exodus17:9-13) |
