READING: Numbers 25-28
“Take Joshua son of Nun, a man who has the Spirit in him, and lay your hands on him.”
Numbers 27:18
In today’s reading, God informs Moses that he is about to die after he gets opportunity to view the Promised Land from Mt. Nebo. Moses, who loved the people of God, prays that God would appoint a new leader so “the Lord’s community won’t be like sheep without a shepherd” (Num. 27:17). God, of course, had already been preparing Joshua for that task.
Joshua had been Moses’ assistant for some time. He had led the Hebrews to victory over the Amalekites (Exo. 17:8-13), and he was one of two spies who believed God would give them the Promised Land (Num. 14:6-9). Now, God had gifted him to lead His people; so, He asked Moses to commission Joshua for the task: “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man who has the Spirit in him, and lay your hands on him. Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole community, and commission him in their sight. Confer some of your authority on him so that the entire Israelite community will obey him” (Num. 27:18-20). At Joshua’s command the people of God would go out and come in, following him wherever God would direct. Joshua would lead them where Moses could not.
As I look back at each church I’ve led and every position I’ve held, here’s what I now know: when God moves a leader, He always has the next one lined up. He reminds us that He’s in charge — not us — and that our departure does not weaken His work. In fact, God often raises up next leaders who lead our former congregations to greater heights than we could have ever achieved. In the end, then, He alone gets the glory.
ACTION STEPS:
- Thank God for raising up leaders throughout your church’s history.
- If you’re a leader in your church, invest in somebody who might later lead in ways you will never lead.
PRAYER: “Lord, thank You that my leadership is not about me. Remind me of that truth, and help me to rest in it today.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Review and catch up