Joshua 3:7-11, 13-17 / Matthew 18:21 - 19:1
Every new leader will have to face this challenge or burden.
And that is, the new leadership will be compared with the previous leadership.
So, the new leader is often under some kind of psychological pressure to prove himself and his abilities.
Some new leaders will try to dismantle the structures of the old leadership in order to implement new directions.
Some new leaders might resort to some gimmicks to gain support.
In the 1st reading, as Joshua takes over the leadership from Moses, it is the Lord who assured him with these words:
This very day I will begin to make you a great man in the eyes of all Israel …
And the first thing that the Lord directed Joshua was the crossing of the Jordan river.
It was quite similar to how Moses lead the people across the Red Sea when the Lord parted the waters.
As it was with Moses, so it was with Joshua, that the Lord worked signs and wonders through them.
They only have to put their faith and trust in the Lord, and do what the Lord directed them to do.
May we too, put our faith and trust in the Lord when we are given responsibilities and tasks.
We don’t have to worry about proving ourselves or making an impression on others.
We just have to do what the Lord directs us and the Lord will show us the way.