Today's Scripture
Joshua Succeeding Moses – Numbers 27: 12-23
Today’s Reading Schedule: Numbers 26-27 – Click to read
Joshua
12-14 God said to Moses, “Climb up into the Abarim Mountains and look over at the land that I am giving to the People of Israel. When you’ve had a good look you’ll be joined to your ancestors in the grave—yes, you also along with Aaron your brother. This goes back to the day when the congregation quarreled in the Wilderness of Zin and you didn’t honor me in holy reverence before them in the matter of the waters, the Waters of Meribah (Quarreling) at Kadesh in the Wilderness of Zin.”
15-17 Moses responded to God: “Let God, the God of the spirits of everyone living, set a man over this community to lead them, to show the way ahead and bring them back home so God’s community will not be like sheep without a shepherd.”
18-21 God said to Moses, “Take Joshua the son of Nun—the Spirit is in him!—and place your hand on him. Stand him before Eleazar the priest in front of the entire congregation and commission him with everyone watching. Pass your magisterial authority over to him so that the whole congregation of the People of Israel will listen obediently to him. He is to consult with Eleazar the priest who, using the oracle-Urim, will prayerfully advise him in the presence of God. He will command the People of Israel, the entire community, in all their comings and goings.”
22-23 Moses followed God’s orders. He took Joshua and stood him before Eleazar the priest in front of the entire community. He laid his hands on him and commissioned him, following the procedures God had given Moses.
Terri's Devotion
What Does the passage Mean to Me/US?
In verses 12 – 14, we learn that God is not allowing Moses, the greatest leader in the old testament to enter the promised land because he previously rebelled against God’s word in the wilderness of Zin. Then rather than focusing on his own disappointment, Moses continues to focus on his shepherding of people and asks God to appoint his successor.
(V 15-17) God gives Moses specific instructions on passing the torch to Joshua in a very public way so the people will see that Joshua is the one to follow after Moses is gone. Moses again follows what God has instructed.
Prayer
Dear Lord,
Please give us the wisdom and courage to follow your leading, keeping our eyes focused on doing your will during the time you have given us on earth. Let us follow the ultimate shepherd, Jesus Christ.
In his name we pray, Amen.
Contributed by Terri Urquhart
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