Nougat 16

For the next few days, we’re looking at Moses’ encouragement to Joshua when he passed him the baton and their value to us. They are applicable to leaders as well as to followers, as we will learn in Today’s Holy Nougat

Deuteronomy 31:7 NLT

[7] Then Moses called for Joshua, and as all Israel watched, he said to him, “Be strong and courageous! For you will lead these people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors he would give them. You are the one who will divide it among them as their grants of land.

Before all the People

The Children of Israel were close to the end of the wilderness wandering. Moses, their fearless leader, was preparing for late retirement and death. Aaron and Miriam had both died, as had almost all of the old guard. The baton for the nation’s care was being handed to Joshua.

Self-check

When we know we’re changing positions, how do we treat our likely successor?

If we’re aware that we will take over from an expert supervisor, how do we negotiate orientation from them?

Application

I find it noteworthy that Moses didn’t call Joshua to privately meet him under a sycamore tree or some other place. Rather, we’re told he publicly passed the baton to Joshua. This facilitated openness and transparency between Moses and the people. If signified confidence in Joshua as Moses’ successor, and set the tone for the new dispensation.

Openness and transparency

The Children of Israel weren’t always the most docile of followers. Lest we forget, Moses’ leadership was questioned by his siblings in Numbers 12. This led to Miriam’s temporary expulsion from the camp as she became leprous. Neither was Aaron exempt from having his leadership challenged. Numbers 16 chronicles the Korah revolt and the budding staff. Those former slaves were done with what they perceived as autocracy. In his public passing of the baton to Joshua, Moses was reducing friction and/or fractious attitudes that could present for the remaining journey.

We are not exempt from challenges to our authority, to our favourable status, or to our success by others, including persons close to us. Even the public transfer of authority does not necessarily remove it. But it may reduce some friction. Siblings we must be transparent and appear transparent in our decision-making.

Confidence

There are times when we question the choices made in transition processes. We wonder whether the outgoing was aware of the incumbent’s gifts and skills (or lack thereof). Moses’ action indicated that he was happy to retire, and there was no foul play on Joshua’s part. We may recall Joshua had proven himself as a management trainee on several occasions. He was an expert in covert operations and was a wise and seasoned veteran. Moses’ confidence in Joshua was based on Joshua’s tangible gifts and skills confirmed by YHWH. When we pass the baton on or are selected for succession, may there be confidence in our leadership by others.

Setting the Tone

This public act signalled the new era in the life of this nascent nation. They were about to seek stability in one place, in lieu of the migratory pattern of the previous forty years, or the enslavement of their formative period.

God was doing a new thing, and it required different skill sets and mindsets. Those skirmishes during the wilderness wanderings would prove essential skills for the battles over Canaan. Unity was critical to the new way of being. The buy-in of the Israelites to Joshua’s leadership had to be guaranteed. Moses’ hand over had to convey all that and more.

Siblings, as we enter new seasons in our lives, let us not assume that it’s business as usual. God is doing a new thing. We ought to graciously hand over to our successors or humbly receive the mantle of leadership. Discernment is crucial to knowing and understanding the times and seasons.

May God’s wisdom and favour prevail with us.

Assignment

Continue to prayerfully discern God’s plan and purpose in our new season.

—

May all we seek be found in Christ