The Men of Iron Minute

by Chad Zueck | Director of Content Creation

Mentorships Take Time (But They’re Worth It)!

Mentorships are not NASCAR; they are more of a slow, steady stream that reaches its destination in good time, God’s time. Joshua was a man who understood the slow pace of great mentorship. Joshua was mentored by Moses (an awesome dude too). Joshua’s eyes behold the Promised Land. For decades he has been a spy for Israel and a servant of Moses. Joshua dared the mountainside where the glory of God shone on Moses. Moses poured into Joshua, and now, Joshua stands looking at this vista. Joshua’s eagerness to listen and serve allowed him to stand on the threshold of Promised Land greatness. Moses has gone the way of the earth, and everything Joshua heard, saw, and experienced will bear fruit in a land filled with milk and honey.

Imagine this, men! We have a vast and fertile plain nestled right at the foot of the Moab mountains. It’s like a bountiful canvas painted with wildflowers, bursting forth in vibrant beauty. Streams and little trickling creeks crisscross the land, blessing it with plenty of water. Just off in the distance, acacia trees litter the landscape, providing shade for weary souls. The air is filled with a Fowler’s dream.

Now, if you glance down to the south, near stream banks, you’ll spot tall oleander bushes standing proud, reaching’ heights of twenty-five feet. Like a graceful willow tree, their branches hang low, weighed down by blooming flowers. Locally, they call this beauty Abel-Shittim, rightly named “the meadow of acacias.”

Beyond Abel-Shittim, you’ll stumble upon them Jordan River fords and lofty western hills. And if you squint your eyes and look towards the south, you’ll set your eyes upon Judea hills, bathed in a purplish hue. The climate and vegetation lean towards the tropical side. And truth be told, the eastern banks of the Jordan River boast an even richer abundance than the western ones and the Mighty Mississippi. Joshua is about to be strong and courageous while adhering to the Law like a cocklebur to an unexpected carrier.

How did Joshua get here? One may break down Joshua’s life arc like this.

His first ninety years (mentorship)

• He begins as a SLAVE in Egypt,
• … and progresses into being a SERVANT under Moses.
• He is called upon to be a SPY.

Last 20 years (leadership)

• and then, WARRIOR-LEADER (Joshua 1-12),
• ADMINISTRATOR (Joshua 13-22)
• ORATOR (SPEAKER) (Joshua 23-24).

What difference did mentorship make?

Joshua stands atop this leadership mountain because he once stood upon the shoulders of a mentor named Moses.

Be a mentor.

Find a mentor.

Be a better man.

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