Moses had sinned at the waters of Meribah (Numbers 20:1-13). He probably always knew deep down that he would die and not enter the promised land.
The Lord said to Moses, “Go up this mountain of the Abarim range, and see the land that I have given to the Israelites.
When you have seen it, you also shall be gathered to your people, as your brother Aaron was, because you rebelled against my word in the wilderness of Zin when the congregation quarreled with me.
You did not show my holiness before their eyes at the waters.” (These are the waters of Meribath-kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.) (Numbers 27:12-14).
When you watch our YouTube videos, you might see Rudy Ross get quiet and bow his head when he reflects on God’s holiness. Rudy understands how incredible God’s holiness is and strives to live in a way that honors it.
Moses also honored God’s holiness well, except for the time he failed at the waters of Meribah.
Numbers 31 recounts Balaam’s death. Balaam was a complete reprobate and deserved God’s judgment. However, God’s judgment also fell on Moses for his rebellion.
Although their sins were different in magnitude, God held Moses to a very high standard as a model for the nation.
James understood this principle of leadership. He wrote, “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness” (James 3:1).
A New Leader is Appointed
There wasn’t a committee, nor did Moses choose the next leader of the Israelites. Moses understood that the Lord knows everyone and would judge who had the right qualities for the job. So, he knew God would appoint his successor.
Moses spoke to the Lord, saying, “Let the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint someone over the congregation
Who shall go out before them and come in before them, who shall lead them out and bring them in, so that the congregation of the Lord may not be like sheep without a shepherd” (Numbers 27:15-17).
God is the true King of Israel, and any leader, whether Moses or someone else, is just an agent.
Joshua Chosen and Commissioned
In the book of Numbers, the phrase “God said” appears 150 times. Not only did God instruct Moses to choose Joshua, but He also directed him on how to transfer leadership.
So the Lord said to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand upon him; have him stand before Eleazar the priest and all the congregation and commission him in their sight.
You shall give him some of your authority, so that all the congregation of the Israelites may obey.
But he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall inquire for him by the decision of the Urim before the Lord; at his word they shall go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he and all the Israelites with him, the whole congregation.” (Numbers 27:18-21).
Choosing Joshua as a leader shows us how leaders should be picked.
- First and most importantly, the Lord chose him and informed Moses of His decision. It is crucial that God determine the leaders of His work.
- Joshua’s primary qualification was that the Holy Spirit was at work in his life.
- When Moses laid his hands on Joshua, it meant he was passing his authority to him.
- Previously, Moses directly connected with God and acted as His agent.
- Now, Eliezer, the priest, would find out God’s will and tell it to Joshua, who would then inform the people.
Following Directions
Some of my friends say that GOD stands for good orderly direction. They believe their job is to follow this direction. To them, following God means following good orderly direction. This is exactly what Moses and the other leaders did with regard to Joshua.
So Moses did as the Lord commanded him. He took Joshua and had him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole congregation; he laid his hands on him and commissioned him, as the Lord had directed through Moses (Numbers 27:22-23).
Reflections
Today, I read an article by Anne Applebaum in the Atlantic Magazine about the situation in Sudan. It’s a prime example of poor leadership.
Two main warring parties, along with several smaller groups backed by misguided foreign governments, have created a massive crisis. There’s no clear leadership, and thousands of people are suffering as a result.
Today is a great time to pray for leaders to have the same quality Joshua had—being led by the Holy Spirit. Someone once described this as being activated, captivated, and motivated by the Holy Spirit.
Let’s join in prayer today for such leaders in business, government, and religion.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed this passage on YouTube today.
Real Voices 