-May 20, 2022-
Good morning, happy Friday,
“And the Lord said to Moses: ‘Take Joshua the son on Nun with you, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him; set him before Eleazar the priest and before the whole congregation, and inaugurate him in their sight. And you shall give some of your authority to him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient.’”
(Numbers 27:18-20).
Moses was the greatest leader of Israel, and of the whole world. The key to his strength was his relationship with the Lord and his humility. Joshua was his protégé and he learned so much from him. There came the time for Moses to die and there was a changing of the guard. God made known to Moses that Joshua was His choice to lead the nation into the Promised Land.
Joshua knew it was God’s will, so he accepted the position. He had to follow in some very big sandals. I am sure he was a bit fearful of this daunting task; which is why both God and Moses encouraged him to be strong and courageous. Israel, like the church today, must have new leaders take over to lead us into the future. We should always love them, support them, appreciate them, and pray for them. It is never good to compare leaders or to criticize them. Just as the people followed and obeyed Moses, so they did with Joshua. He proved to be a great leader also, though his style was different, he did a wonderful job.
Joshua 1:9 is an excellent verse for leaders or any servants of the Lord, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” The Lord also told him several other important things: “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. Only be strong and very courageous. Do not turn to the right hand or to the left. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success” Joshua 1:5b-8).
When God calls us, He equips us, and when he equips us, He uses us. Whether we preach or teach the Word, or we are a Sunday School teacher, or we sing in the choir or musical group, or whatever ministry or ministries we have. The Lord wants us to be faithful, the results are in His hands. With Him, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us; without Him we can do nothing.
Have a blessed day serving the Lord as He called you. Stay safe and healthy.
In His service,
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 