Joshua was so politically incorrect for today. As Israel's leader that conquered the Holy Land, he had earned the right to speak boldly to his people. His life had been one of boldness and his words matched his life.
He reminded the people of all that the Lord had done for them. He recalled the promises that God would still give them if they obeyed. Then he reminded them of the potential curses for disobedience.
Today Joshua would have been attacked and dismantled by the popular media. Not only was he speaking negatively but he was implying that God was more than a Santa Claus in the sky. He was teaching that God hands out discipline as well as blessings. He was calling the people to hard decisions that could be interpreted as exclusivistic. He was calling for religious intolerance.
So where have all the Joshua leaders gone? Those who speak as he did rarely do so out of a lifetime of service; their credibility is often questioned. Those who serve rarely speak up; Mother Teresa was not known for long discourses. It seems that modern Joshuas are rare . . . but very needed. There are a few people in my life that could tell me anything at all and I would accept it. I would do so because of their life history. Unfortunately, there are only a few. My hope is that one day someone(s) will place my name on that list. How we all covet truth spoken from a lifetime of integrity.
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