The name Phil Bengtson isn't familiar to many people, especially compared to Vince Lombardi. Poor Phil followed Vince as head coach of the Green Bay Packers in 1968. The fans weren't ready for mediocrity, but that’s what they got with Phil. Many organizations that are led to great success by a dynamic, powerful leader lose their hold on that success under new leaders. It happens to businesses, sports teams, governments, and yes, even churches.

One glaring exception is the case of Moses and Joshua. When it came time for a new leader God’s chosen replacement was already in place. Having been the first battle leader of Israel (Exodus 17:19), and with Moses’ on Mt. Sinai (Exodus 24:13), and one of the only two spies that said they could take the land at the beginning (Numbers 14:6-9) it was clear he was prepared to lead. And the nation was ready for him to lead them across the Jordan into the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 34:9).

The importance of that transition and the importance of Joshua’s role cannot be overstated. The nation was at a critical juncture. They had defeated all their enemies on the east of Jordan and faced the difficult task of driving out the pagan polluters on the west side. Under the wrong leader it could have been a disaster, but under Joshua it was a complete success (Joshua 24:31). Joshua was the great leader who led Israel into the Promised Land, just like his namesake, Jesus, who now leads Israel into heaven itself (Hebrews 10:19-20).