Succession of Leadership
Deuteronomy 34:9: "Joshua son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, because Moses had laid his hands on him; and the Israelites obeyed him, doing as the Lord had commanded Moses."
The Lord does not leave his people without a leader. After thirty days of grieving over Moses, the nation of Israel looked to Joshua as God's appointed leader for them. Joshua had shown himself faithful to serve alongside Moses. When the Israelites were just outside the borders of Canaan, the Lord commanded that Moses send spies into the land. From each tribe of Israel, a spy was chosen and sent into the land. For forty days, the men were there eating of the fruit and assessing the land. After the forty days, the spies returned to Moses and to the Israelites with their report. Indeed, the land was flowing with milk and honey; however, the people were like giants and the cities were fortified. Instead of taking heart and trusting in the Lord, the spies gave in to fear saying they were not able to defeat the people within the land.
At first, only Caleb gave a different report. Caleb called the nation of Israel to trust in the Lord, to trust that he would act of their behalf just as he had done in delivering them from Egypt, guiding them through the wilderness, and providing for all of their needs. Caleb called the Hebrews to enter the land trusting that God would help them overcome the inhabitants.
Instead of choosing faith, the nation of Israel gave into fear. The people moaned and complained against Moses and Aaron, and they even sought out a leader who would take them back to Egypt. Joshua joined Caleb in refusing to support the rebellion of the people, and after he tore his clothes in lament, Joshua challenged the Israelites to put their trust in God's protection. Joshua knew that if the nation of Israel chose obedience and faith in the Lord, that the Lord would faithfully lead them into the land and grant them victory (Numbers 14:1-10).
Sadly, at that point, the Israelites did not listen to Caleb, Joshua, or Moses. They chose disobedience and unbelief. God was angered at their rebellion. Instead of leading them into the land of promise, the Israelites had to take a few more laps around the desert. Nevertheless, Joshua remained faithful, and God called him to succeed Moses and to eventually lead these people into the land. As that sign of succession, Moses laid his hands upon Joshua, and Joshua was filled with the spirit of wisdom.
Daily, we have the choice to obey God and trust in him or to rebel against him by giving in to fear and unbelief. Our daily choices shape us and shape our faith. Though God has promised us eternal life and his presence throughout this life, we often give in to despair and look back to the bondages and strongholds of this world for solace, peace, and hope. In those times, may we remember the examples of Moses, Caleb, and Joshua who chose to look to God and trust in his protection and guidance.
Reflection:
Does your faith emulate Moses, Caleb, and Joshua or the nation of Israel who longed to go back to the bondage of Egypt?
The Lord does not leave his people without a leader. After thirty days of grieving over Moses, the nation of Israel looked to Joshua as God's appointed leader for them. Joshua had shown himself faithful to serve alongside Moses. When the Israelites were just outside the borders of Canaan, the Lord commanded that Moses send spies into the land. From each tribe of Israel, a spy was chosen and sent into the land. For forty days, the men were there eating of the fruit and assessing the land. After the forty days, the spies returned to Moses and to the Israelites with their report. Indeed, the land was flowing with milk and honey; however, the people were like giants and the cities were fortified. Instead of taking heart and trusting in the Lord, the spies gave in to fear saying they were not able to defeat the people within the land.
At first, only Caleb gave a different report. Caleb called the nation of Israel to trust in the Lord, to trust that he would act of their behalf just as he had done in delivering them from Egypt, guiding them through the wilderness, and providing for all of their needs. Caleb called the Hebrews to enter the land trusting that God would help them overcome the inhabitants.
Instead of choosing faith, the nation of Israel gave into fear. The people moaned and complained against Moses and Aaron, and they even sought out a leader who would take them back to Egypt. Joshua joined Caleb in refusing to support the rebellion of the people, and after he tore his clothes in lament, Joshua challenged the Israelites to put their trust in God's protection. Joshua knew that if the nation of Israel chose obedience and faith in the Lord, that the Lord would faithfully lead them into the land and grant them victory (Numbers 14:1-10).
Sadly, at that point, the Israelites did not listen to Caleb, Joshua, or Moses. They chose disobedience and unbelief. God was angered at their rebellion. Instead of leading them into the land of promise, the Israelites had to take a few more laps around the desert. Nevertheless, Joshua remained faithful, and God called him to succeed Moses and to eventually lead these people into the land. As that sign of succession, Moses laid his hands upon Joshua, and Joshua was filled with the spirit of wisdom.
Daily, we have the choice to obey God and trust in him or to rebel against him by giving in to fear and unbelief. Our daily choices shape us and shape our faith. Though God has promised us eternal life and his presence throughout this life, we often give in to despair and look back to the bondages and strongholds of this world for solace, peace, and hope. In those times, may we remember the examples of Moses, Caleb, and Joshua who chose to look to God and trust in his protection and guidance.
Reflection:
Does your faith emulate Moses, Caleb, and Joshua or the nation of Israel who longed to go back to the bondage of Egypt?
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