WAEC Christian Religious Studies (CRS) 2020 Theory — Question 2

Model answer

(a) God's instruction to Joshua on his assumption of leadership over Israel (Numbers 27:18-22, Joshua 1:1-9): When Moses was about to exit the leadership position of Israel, he prayed to God to provide a successor in order not to lead the people like sheep without a shepherd. The LORD ordered Moses to take Joshua, the son of Nun, a man in whom is His Spirit and lay hands on him. Joshua was to be brought before Eleazar the priest and the entire assembly to be commissioned. Moses did as he was commanded by the LORD and Joshua was brought before the Eleazar the priest and the whole assembly commissioned and laid hands on Joshua. God then promised to give Joshua every place the soles of his feet shall tread, the territories expanding from the wilderness to Lebanon and the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun shall be his territory. The LORD promised to be with Joshua and no one would be able to stand against him all the days of his life. Joshua was to be strong and courageous as he would lead the Israelites to the Promised Land of their fathers. Joshua was to be careful of the laws Moses gave him in order to be successful wherever he went. Joshua was to make sure the book of the law never departed from his mouth but he should meditate upon it day and night. Joshua was to apply the law in everything in order to be prosperous. Joshua was to be courageous and strong and not to be terrified or discouraged for the LORD would be with him wherever he went. (b) Three lessons political leaders can learn from Joshua's leadership: Political leaders should not impose successor but allow God to lead in making such a choice; They should help people to elect leaders who are goal oriented and people oriented; Political leaders should know when enough is enough and retire honourably; They should be interested in grooming people who can take power from them; Like Moses, they should show confidence in the authority and ability of their successors; They should know that they can only succeed when they observe God's instructions; They should be confident that with the LORD on their side, there is no need to be terrified or discouraged in difficult times; Political leaders should be patient as they wait to ensure leadership position and not dictate power through evil manipulations and force of arms; They should be courageous.