Read Numbers 27:12-23 and Deuteronomy 31
These passages recount the
calling and commissioning of Joshua as the leader to replace Moses. In Numbers
27:12-23 the Lord leads Moses up the mountain of Abarim. Moses already knew he
wouldn’t enter the Promised Land because he had disobeyed God (Numbers
20:1-13). However, even when He disciplines us, God remains merciful and
gracious. Here God gives Moses the chance to catch a glance of the promise.
Moses can take comfort in this sight, even though he knows he will pass on to
his ancestors soon.
When
Moses is atop Mount Abarim he petitions God to send a new leader for Israel.
The human heart is deceitful. Without godly community headed by
Spirit-empowered leaders we will surely turn astray from the true God (Num
27:17). God responds to Moses’ prayers by telling him to commission Joshua.
Moses is to lay hands on Joshua as a symbol of transferring authority to him.
This laying on of hands is also a means of imparting a gift, in this case a
spirit of wisdom (Deut 34:9). Requiring Joshua to go before Eleazar, the high
priest, was a reminder to rely on God’s counsel. Joshua cannot lead Israel or
conquer Canaan by his own strength. But the Lord is faithful and will guide
Joshua continually.
Deuteronomy
31 tells us of Moses’ last words before the assembly of Israel. He begins with
an encouragement. The task ahead will be exceedingly difficult, but God will be
there to lead you and provide you strength. Moses next gives Joshua a special
encouragement. Moses knew the trials of
leadership and urged Joshua to take courage because of God’s character. After
charging the Levites with the public reading of Scripture, Moses and Joshua
approach God. God’s presence as a pillar of cloud signifies His divine approval
of Joshua. In our human minds we would expect God to build Joshua up here,
perhaps giving him congratulations or some practical leadership tips. What God
does is vastly different. He gives a prophetic warning that Israel will turn
from the true God and play the harlot with Canaanite gods. Despite this
foreknowledge, God will still lead them into the Promised Land. He will remain
faithful to His Word and patiently merciful, giving Israel a chance to repent
and worship Him wholeheartedly. Moses’ last task is to share a song with Israel
(Deut 32). This song would serve as a both a warning against sin and a
prompting to repent after falling into sin.
Prayer and Journaling
1. Even before he officially took up
leadership, Joshua was told that Israel would turn away from God. He had to
make a choice. Would he lead diligently, following God and helping as many
Israelites as possible remain faithful? Or would he resign himself to fatalism
(belief that the future is already determined and we cannot change it), lead without
diligence or hope and fall into sin himself? As we will see in the Book of
Joshua, he took the right path. Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart. Are
the any places where you’ve fallen into fatalism (ex. giving up hope for
renewal in our country or for loved ones to receive salvation)? Confess this to
God and ask Him to help you have hope.
2. As God gave Moses vision of the Promised
Land, He also desires to give us glimpses of the good He has for each of us.
This includes how He is going to use a trying situation for good, ways He is
answering our prayers or speaking to us about heaven. Pray for such a gift
today. Ask God to show you something that can give you hope and motivation to
press on in the fight of faith.
3. Moses could have prayed for anything
before he passed away. He chose to have compassion on Israel and pray for a
leader (Num 27:17). Read Matthew 9:36-38 where Jesus echoed these sentiments.
Spend time praying today that God would send labourers into the harvest in our
community, region and country.
