Vision's Twin Sister

Over the last decade or so the topic of Christian leadership has held its place near the top of the “most requested” list of conference themes. For many it stands as an energizing concept, a strategic component of their ministry.

On the other side, it can be unsettling to the folks who are comfortable with the way things are. While scripture does not present any specific tutorial for leaders, it is hard to escape the significant role they have played throughout history. God always appointed men and women to talk and walk in His stead when He stepped across heaven’s threshold to guide His people. Each of the sixty-six books of scripture illustrates the divine process of leadership appointment.

In reading through the life of Joshua, I came across a sermon he preached to Israel near the end of his years. He reviewed their covenant with God and reminded them of their responsibilities. We often quote the challenge he set before the nation: "Choose this day whom you will serve." Joshua's intent was to confront God's people with the issues that could separate them from the land He had promised to their families.

After reviewing the covenant and hearing Israel passionately decide for God, chapter twenty-four records Joshua's final, and likely most rewarding action as Israel's leader. The passage reads: "Then Joshua sent the people away, each to his own inheritance." It is a statement bursting with implications. Every Israelite had fought and endured the ravages of war; they had wrestled with the pain of both personal and community failures, and it was all in pursuit of the vision God had given to Moses. Suddenly, in this defining moment of their 40 year journey, they were told they could reach out and grasp hold of it. I’m sure for most the idea was a bit scary. No longer was this about a community or national achievement -- it became intensely personal, and there were untold risks involved. Joshua gave each person an opportunity to stake claim to their family’s unique destiny.

Destiny is vision's twin sister; they are inseparable - share the same DNA. For decades, Moses cast the vision of the Promised Land before God’s people, but with Joshua's leadership the vision moved more clearly into focus. It became an individual matter. Now there were family names and geographical boundaries attached – a personal destination with tangible benefits. It was no longer simply a promise, but location with street addresses and zip codes. It was a distinct place to live and prosper. It was their destiny.

There are some believers who remain unstirred by vision's beauty. On occasion they may bask in her glow or bow in wonder, but their quiet and conventional lives remain untouched by her charm. Somehow they remain blinded, unable to recognize the splendor of God’s plan for their lives. It is for such a time and person the leader was born.

The Christian leader’s vision is intensely personal, yet it is never given for the leader. The vision is imparted by God for the benefit of those who will dare to fight and follow. It is an inheritance not only found on heaven’s distant side, but a destiny waiting here amidst the pain and sweat as we fight to conquer Canaan.