TAKING UP THE MANTLE OF LEADERSHIP

Following an exceptional leader’s dashboards can be challenging, if not utterly impossible. How can you prevent comparing yourself? The book of Joshua begins with news that would have made headlines for weeks: “Moses my servant is dead” (v. 2). Without a doubt, it was the topic of conversation at every dinner table. However, while Moses’ life may have concluded, God’s commitment to the Israelites persevered.

Joshua likely had a hunch that he would take up the mantle of leadership. However, that did not mean he felt confident. Even Moses' second-in-command suffered from impostor syndrome and doubted whether he was the right person for the job. God continually reminded Joshua that he would not be alone (v. 5). Notice that in Joshua 1, God commands Joshua three times to be “strong and courageous” (vv. 6, 7, 9). God also assures victory: “No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life” (v. 5).

The Lord reminded Joshua that he should follow Moses’ example in trusting and obeying the Book of the Law (vv. 7–8). God commanded Joshua to meditate on the Torah day and night. Having God’s Word continually on his mind and lips would not guarantee that his life and leadership would be devoid of struggle. However, knowing God’s Word would provide him with strength and courage, assisting Joshua in overcoming significant challenges.

Leaders who replace legends sometimes fall into the trap of trying to prove themselves. But the answer doesn’t lie within us. Instead, God wants His appointed leaders to trust that if they are faithful to Him, He will continue to be faithful to them. He gives them the courage to lead.

To be a godly leader is to keep God’s Word always on your lips and in your mind. Consider whatever reads you walk through in your daily life, you need God’s Word to keep you rich. Memorise some verses to keep your spirit healthy, and can recall them when you face difficult moments.

Ayella John Bosco

Text: Joshua 1:1-9

Comments

Open Letter to the Governor of Eastern Equatoria State

02-08-2026 His Excellency Louis Lobong Lojore Governor, Eastern Equatoria State Subject: Urgent Appeal for the Immediate Removal of Cattle from Magwi County, Particularly the Nimule Area Your Excellency, I write to you as a concerned citizen regarding the continued presence of thousands of cattle in Magwi County, particularly in and around the Nimule area. This situation demands your urgent attention and intervention. In the recent past, government authorities, local leaders, and communities agreed that the presence of cattle in Magwi County is unacceptable. This position is consistent with the Presidential directive ordering all cattle to return to their areas of origin. Despite this clear directive, many cattle keepers, particularly from Bor, continue to disregard the order and have returned with large herds into the county. Today, thousands of cattle are moving freely in the Nimule area and occupying locations less than ten kilometres from Nimule Municipality. We are all aware of t...

UNMASKING THE RED BELT: Community Defense or Security Threats

WHY IS EQUATORIA MENTIONED? September 2, 2025 Many South Sudanese tribes have vigilante groups, particularly in cattle-keeping communities. Based on their mandates, it is clear that each group aims to protect and defend its community from neighbouring raiders. Communities like the Dinka, Nuer, and Murle have such groups, and their long-standing conflicts over resources suggest this is a survival mechanism. From my experience, South Sudan's community insecurity worsened in 2017 when the economy collapsed due to unresolved civil conflicts. Youths formed groups with different names, such as the Toronto, West Coasts, Black Mambas, and Invincible Scorpions, in Juba and other major cities. In Nimule, many of these youths brought ideas from Juba's Sherikat suburb after escaping arrest or internal disputes. Today, gangs are widespread in major towns and cities. Recently, the Red Belt group emerged in Bor, disrupting a peaceful tournament and attacking the National Security Servic...

DO NOT JOIN STAR INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY MAGWI CAMPUS UNTIL IT FULLY ESTABLISHES ITS OWN STUDY CENTRE

Between 2017 and 2019, I wrote several articles about the fraudulent practices of Kampala University. Those who were its students were aggressively defensive, only to concede later. This happened after the Ministry of Higher Education declared the university illegal. Although the students pursued a legal case against the university, they sadly lost. Education is a right for everyone, but a learning institution should provide quality and legitimate services to the public. In South Sudan, several universities and colleges are operating illegally and exploiting poor students. On 22 June 2026, Star International University (SIU) launched one of its campuses in Magwi Payam, making it the second campus after the Nimule campus, which was established around 2021–2022. Accordingly, this could be the third campus in Eastern Equatoria, including the Torit campus. Such rapid expansion raises serious questions about the credibility of the university. A credible learning institution cannot spread i...

Sir. Abunerry

Search This Blog