God had also placed His stamp of approval on this young man (Num. 27:18-22). However, Joshua did not suddenly become the leader of Israel without prior training and experience. We see His being with Moses in many different situations, much as Jesus’ disciples were with Him. Joshua went with Moses up into the mountain in Exodus 24 when he received the commandments. He entered into the tabernacle and witnessed as the Lord spoke to Moses “face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend” (Ex. 33:11).

He was encouraged, strengthened, and given a charge by Moses as he came to the point of assuming the leadership of Israel. Time after time, we witness Moses’ imparting his life into Joshua’s. Surely, Joshua had a great example of leadership when he was with Moses. He was learning through his life and through being with him. And when it came time for Joshua to step into his new role as Israel’s leader, the man of God who preceded him had seen to it that he was well-prepared, so much so that he was willing to pass on his leadership to him “in the sight of all Israel” (Deut. 31:7-8). Elijah was another great prophet in Israel, and he received word from the Lord that he was to appoint Elisha as his successor (I Kings 19:16).

The Bible details how he laid his mantle upon Elisha, and how Elisha immediately followed him and ministered to him. Elisha was with Elijah constantly from that point forward. In fact, he was with him so much that we see his refusing to leave Elijah’s side three times in II Kings 2. Upon Elijah’s departure from this earth, Elisha wished nothing more than to be blessed with a double portion of his mentor’s spirit. Truly, this man had a great influence upon his pupil, as do all those who truly disciple others. Then we see a form of discipleship in how parents were to train their children in the ways of the Lord. They were to keep certain customs and teach their children why they were performing those activities, such as the Passover (Ex. 12:26-27).

They were to instruct their children about the laws of the Lord (Deut. 6:6-7). Ultimately, their daily lives were to be full of teaching moments, guiding their children in the way of the Lord. And while this may not be what we traditionally think of when we think of discipleship, it was yet still constant teaching and modeling for a generation that would follow Discipleship in the life of a Christian is teaching and modeling the ways of the Lord so that those in close communion with us can be instructed to follow them. It is spending much time with a group of people with the purpose of training them in the ways they should go, so that one day they are able to take the lead themselves. It is preparing them for the future and then watching as they go on to fulfill all God has given them to do. It requires sacrifice and openness on the part of the one doing the discipling, as well as a student’s humble spirit and willingness to learn, but it is an impressive thing to behold when done correctly.

What started in the Old Testament can continue still today. And that, fellow believers, is an exciting prospect.