Just Like Moses Scripture Reading: Joshua 1:16 - 17

“They answered Joshua, ‘We will do whatever you command us, and we will go wherever you send us. We will obey you must as we obeyed Moses. And may the LORD your God be with you as he was with Moses.” 

There is no doubt to those who witnessed the life of Moses that God was with Him. But we have the hindsight of God’s Word to understand that he spent 40 years in Egypt, 40 years in the desert, followed by 40 years of leading the people of God, yet not even himself getting into the very land of promise that God was directing His people into. Why was that? I believe we see an important key in this transfer of leadership.

Moses was a man with whom God spoke face to face, went up the mountain to meet with God, received the Ten Commandments, took time in the Tent of Meeting to commune with the LORD. And who was assisting and holding up his hands all along the way, but Joshua. When Moses was finished in the Tent, Joshua would go in for the time of afterglow prayer waiting in the presence of God.

Then when Moses died, God called Joshua. The LORD spoke continually to Joshua in His call, telling him not to fear, be afraid or discouraged, but to be strong and courageous, because God would walk with him, just as he had walked with Moses. Again and again, God repeated His call on Joshua’s life to lead, with faith and confidence for there is nothing that can be accomplished without His calling.

It must have been quite exciting for Joshua to start this new work of leadership. Let’s face it. He knew the people well, for he had walked with Moses for all of those years. And after his first sermon I am certain he stepped back when he heard the people respond that they would fully obey and fully follow his leadership, ‘Just Like Moses’.

Remember  the 12 spies, with only 2 bringing back a good report – Caleb and Joshua; times of complaining in the desert that it was better back in the slavery of Egypt; wanting bread and meat; building an idol out of precious metal after Moses came down from the mountain; rebelling against God, to the point that Moses had to cry out for mercy – only to name a few.

This my friends is what every one chosen must go through as they are faithful to God in leading. So what then are we to do? Remember your Pastor’s and leaders in prayer that God will sustain them, and successfully lead them through. For as you are willing to take up the place of Aaron and Hur, supporting the tired hands of Moses, there is no telling the victories that God will take you to! The battle is the LORD’S, and Jesus has promised that He will build His church! 

Prayer Father forgive me I pray when I pray and complain against those who have been called to lead and guide. Help me to cry out, support, sustain and get involved in maintaining the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace, and lifting up those who are leading. For when we come together in unity, there will be the blessing of the Lord, and those who have yet come to Jesus will be drawn to believing faith. I commit to be an active part of Your body in the Person and power of the Holy Spirit, in Jesus mighty name. 

Memory Verse: Philippians 3:12“I ________ on to _______ the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus is calling us.”