Day 16: Courage Commissioned: Moses Passes the Torch to Joshua
Welcome: Changing leadership is hard. Releasing children from the nest is often a tumultuous experience. Control is not easily abdicated. Trusting the next generation to be faithful is complicated. Today we see the proper passing of the torch of leadership in Israel.
Background: Moses is not going into the Promised Land. He’s been leading Israel 40 years and grooming Joshua as his successor. It’s finally time to give up command and commission him as Israel’s next leader.
Read: Deuteronomy 31:1-23
Highlight: “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
You? There are times in our lives when we need to pass the torch of faith and leadership to others in our lives. How well are you preparing the younger generation to courageously lead when you are gone? How about your children? Your grandchildren? It can be hard to give up control, but eventually we all have to step aside and let others lead. How can you actively look for opportunities to raise up the next generation of leaders?
Pray: God, you are constantly at work in our lives calling new people to large acts of faith. May I be the one to answer your call and obey you. And may I be faithful to commission others to follow after me in faithful courage and obedience.