Day 83, Chronological Bible Study
Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Deuteronomy 32:48–Joshua 2:24 Transferring Leadership New leaders usually bring hope. However, leadership changes can be difficult and even ugly at times; it often depends on how the current administration handles it. Each leader has his strengths and weaknesses, his own personality, and his approach to leading. If we take an example from Moses, we can learn wise and gracious ways to transfer leadership. Choosing the Next Leader In today’s Bible reading, Moses knows his time is coming to an end, so he asks God for another leader to shepherd Israel’s people. The next leader should be someone whom God chooses, not necessarily the most popular or most qualified. Joshua is chosen by God and recognized by Moses. Moses is a good leader. If we are good leaders, people may respect our choice of the next one. Preparation for Leadership Joshua has been serving as a close aide to Moses for a long time (Numbers 11:28). When Moses left the tent of meeting in the desert of Sinai, Joshua remained (Exodus 33:11). Although there is no Biblical record to tell us, perhaps God communicated with Joshua at that time. Joshua was also chosen to lead Israel’s armies into battle, which he did successfully (Exodus 17:9-14). Who better to lead Israel than one who is loyal, wants to stay close to God, and has proven military success? When the twelve spies went into Canaan to search out the land and people, only Caleb and Joshua expressed faith in the LORD that the Almighty would give them military victory (Numbers 14:6-9; 32:8-12). Good spiritual leaders have faith in God. Now Moses publicly recognizes Joshua as the new leader, encourages him, and then puts some of his authority upon him. Joshua is urged to follow the LORD completely and lead with courage. It is good to give guidance, encouragement, and some authority to prospective leaders to transfer leadership gracefully and successfully. Apprenticeships can help us prepare leaders. Leaving gracefully Moses blesses the tribes of Israel that he led for more than forty years. Although they gave him a lot of grief, Moses is gracious in his blessing. He cares about them and loves them even more than himself. We do not know all of the meanings of the blessings given to them, and for us, they may seem irrelevant. However, we can learn a general principle from Moses’ blessing the tribes: businessmen, church leaders, and other organizational leaders should be gracious in their departure. We should forgive past hurts. We should express confidence in the new leadership, give the people a good name (reputation) to live up to, and bless them. We should recognize how God is using or can use them if they submit to his will. Departing leaders should leave gracefully. Moses’ Epitaph From the top of Mount Nebo in Moab, God shows Moses all the Canaanite land the Israelites will possess. Then Moses dies and is buried by God. After Moses departs from this life, a suitable epitaph (saying) is written of him to conclude the book of Deuteronomy Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face, who did all those miraculous signs and wonders the LORD sent him to do in Egypt—to Pharaoh and to all his officials and to his whole land. For no one has ever shown the mighty power or performed the awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of all Israel (Deuteronomy 34:10-12, NIV). Our epitaph When we leave this life, what might be said of us? Are we men or women of God? Are we people of holiness, humility, and kindness? Do we rely on the LORD, and is he at work in our lives? Do we invest our lives in people? Do we intercede on their behalf? When we leave, we should leave a godly legacy for people to remember. They should praise the LORD for our leadership. New Leadership God says to Joshua, “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites” (Joshua 1:2, NIV). God encourages Joshua that as He was with Moses, He will be with him (Joshua 1:6-8). How can Joshua succeed? God instructs him to have faith and be courageous. Furthermore, God instructs Joshua to carefully obey all the law, speak of it, and meditate on it day and night so he will do everything in it. These are the keys to his success. Encouraging our Leaders Perhaps Joshua was a little timid or not a natural leader—four times, he is urged to have faith and act with courage (Joshua 1:6,7,9,18). The LORD chose Joshua, not because he is talented, but because he is obedient in everything. God is glorified when he works with us despite our weaknesses (1Corinthians 1:27-29). Maybe, the prospect of leading millions of Israelites into a hostile land for war scares Joshua (this would be true for most of us). However, his dependence on God probably keeps him humble and reliant on the LORD. Joshua has military experience, but he needs confidence. Like the Israelites, we need to support new leaders and encourage those who might be reticent or face challenging tasks. New Faith Joshua is a sharp leader. Remembering the fiasco caused by the twelve spies’ earlier report, Joshua hand-picks just two spies to scout the land for the first battle. The scouts cross the Jordan River and stay in Jericho with a woman who has the reputation of being a prostitute. Rahab, however, fears the LORD—she shows her faith in God by what she says and does. Rahab welcomes the spies into her home, and then she hides them. She expresses confidence in God’s plan, purpose, and person. Then, when instructed by the spies to leave a scarlet rope hanging from her window, she does so, trusting in God’s salvation. The LORD’s grace is all-inclusive; he will save anyone who comes to him in genuine faith. The two spies come back to Joshua with a favorable report. As was prophesied by Moses (Deuteronomy 33:29), the people in Canaan are melting in fear because of God's miraculous deeds on Israel's behalf. If we trust God, He can do great deeds and even miracles. Other people will see what God does in our lives and fear the LORD. Endnote: The Law is a probable reference to Deuteronomy Focus Verse Joshua 1:7 (NIV) “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.” Do you like these discussion questions so you can come up with your own answers, or do you prefer the Take-Away Lessons? email me with your answer. Discussion What are the keys to success? How do we transfer leadership with grace? How can we give support and encouragement to new leaders? What does the story of Rahab teach us about salvation?
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study: Sample Prayer (try it yourself after this one) Dear Father in heaven, you are holy, gracious and good. Help us to be like you. We are sinful and not always nice. Father, forgive us. Teach us to be gracious and encourage others. Help us to live a godly life worth remembering. Wonderful is you might! Only you can give us the victory, so teach us to rely on you, read your Word daily, and be obedient. Give us courage to face our battles, dear LORD, and to have faith in you. In Jesus name, Amen Enter your prayer here: Please send your comments to mtbiblestudies@gmail.com Looking Ahead: Israel is again facing battle against the giants in the land of Canaan. This time they are not cowering in fear; they are going in. How do they prepare to win? How do we Prepare to Win? Previous Lesson  |  Next Lesson Back to top of page Return to Chronological Bible Studies main page Go to Scriptures main page Go to Topics main page Go to Home page re-edited 3-24-21

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