Introduction

In this plan, we look to scripture to learn about mentoring. Unsurprisingly – because the Bible is always straightforward and honest, often uncomfortably honest - we find a wide cross section of examples ranging from the exceptionally abusive (which we should strictly avoid), to the outstandingly fruitful (for us to learn from and follow).

Today, we start with one of the most well-known, widely loved and fruitful mentoring relationships in all of scripture: Moses and Joshua.

Exodus 33:11 gives a deep insight into the central feature of this mentoring; ‘The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young assistant Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent.’

Joshua served Moses as his assistant for around forty years. He was one of those who walked through the parted waters of the Red Sea on dry land. He watched God give his people manna after Moses prayed for food. He saw Moses talk with the Lord in the tabernacle. Again and again, he witnessed God show Moses how to lead the people. Along with Caleb, he spied out the land and urged the people to trust the Lord’s promise. He saw Moses handle the people’s rebellions against his leadership. Joshua also saw Moses fail and be disciplined by the Lord when Moses lost his temper and hit the rock. Joshua was at the centre of the action for forty years in the desert, but above all, Joshua was a man who prayed and meditated on God’s words. Throughout all the stories, there is never an incident where Joshua goes wrong (even the rather amusing incident in Numbers 11:28-29 demonstrates Joshua’s loyalty to Moses).

This example of mentoring is one of ‘learning on the job’. There was important work to be done. The project was demanding and serious. There was no place for disobedience, carelessness, or insubordination. For forty years, Moses instructed Joshua what to do, and Joshua did it! As Joshua carried out Moses’ instructions, he also learned how to be led by the Lord. He learned to hear the voice of God, and after Moses died, there was no question that Joshua was the one to lead God’s people. Over four decades, Joshua learned from Moses how to follow the Lord and obey him, and after Moses died, Joshua did not fail in his leadership.

So this example of mentoring demonstrates that…

1. Good mentoring takes time, it should not be rushed.
2. Working for the mentor can be an excellent place for the mentee to learn well.
3. When mentoring is oriented around prayer and the word of God, it has the potential to influence the destiny of nations.