Joshua served under Moses until Moses' death.

Joshua 1:1-2 (AMP)
¹ AFTER THE death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ minister,
² Moses My servant is dead. So now arise [take his place], go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land which I am giving to them, the Israelites.

God worked a miracle .... the crossing of the Jordan river by the nation of Israel with Joshua as their leader.    Joshua was obedient to circumcise the sons of Isreal at Gibe-ath-haaraloth.   While encamped at Gilgal Joshua apparently took a walk in the direction of Jericho.

Joshua 5:13-15 (AMP)
¹³ When Joshua was by Jericho, he looked up, and behold, a Man stood near him with His drawn sword in His hand. And Joshua went to Him and said to Him, Are you for us or for our adversaries?
¹⁴ And He said, No [neither], but as Prince of the Lord’s host have I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped, and said to Him, What says my Lord to His servant?
¹⁵ And the Prince of the Lord’s host said to Joshua, loose your shoes from off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy. And Joshua did so.

First, Joshua demonstrated that he was courageous.   This was the initial command of the Lord ...  "Be strong and of good courage" ...      and again.    "Only you be strong and very courageous."     This level of courage is needed in order to precisely follow the direction of the Lord in the face of criticism, or rebellion .... or the fear of these malidays or even in the face of the sudden turns that leave us wondering what God is up to.    Joshua did not wait to see ....   He did not hide ... He faced this potential threat straight on, with out hesitation.  He went to him and ask where this unknown warrior stood.

The Prince of the Lord's host gave Joshua the respect to answer his question though His answer was apparently only one word.    But He further answered the question behind Joshua's question.   He told Joshua Who He was ....  "as the Prince of the Lord's hosts have I now come"    

Joshua's immediate response was to fall on his face and worship.    Joshua's courage allowed him to have eyes to see and faith to  believe and to respond in true worship and obedience. [ fear keeps us from seeing clearly and obeying promptly ]  Joshua reconized that he was second in command.  He ask the Prince of the Lord's host ... what says my Lord to His servant.   He took the position of a servant.   Though God had called him to lead the entire nation of Isreal he did not hold on to his position but immediately humbled himself and worshiped the Lord.
 

It is interesting  that the only direction given to Joshua from the Prince of the Lord's host that is recorded for us is ..... "loose your shoes from off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy".

Do you feel that you should have a plan for your church?     Joshua was mightly used of God .... but the plan was entirely God's  ....not Joshua's  ......  he was second in command.   Second in command is a sweet place to be .... particularly when the first place is occupied by the King of kings and Creator of the universe!

Do you feel that you need more muscle, or money, or members?    Is it possible that the Lord is waiting for you to take off your shoes and meet Him on holy ground?

Do you regularly have the sense of the presence of God leading and directing your ministry?   Do you sense Him directing you through His word? .... by His Spirit?   

Meditate on Joshua 5:13 -15 and ask the Lord to show you clearly what He desires of you in your role as second in command.

He will bless you and your ministry without fail if you will seek Him with your whole heart.