The other day my daughter and I were walking some trails and as we kept journeying into the woods she was asking, “Can we be adventurers and go off the trail?” Finally, I exclaimed “YES! Let’s do it!” only to find us at a creek where we would need to move some sticks and logs to cross, or we would have to get our feet very wet.
So, we got to work moving some logs to quickly find that I could not cross with logs she was using because she is certainly smaller than I am. She is equipped and ready to keep going and I need to find a different way…or do I cross at all? Instead of creating an entirely new plan, I encourage her to cross over by herself and she does it! This fun everyday example can translate to what we read in Deuteronomy 31—the passing of leadership from Moses to Joshua.
Can you imagine following God, leading most of your life to get to what you think is the pinnacle of your opportunity only to find that surrendering to him means having someone else go ahead of you? In Deuteronomy 31:1-8 we see that is exactly what Moses does. He praises Joshua in front of all of Israel saying he is the leader; you can trust God that he is with him.
Moses could have listed all the great ways he has been a leader and helped grow Joshua into who he is today, but instead for Moses to lead he must let go of his position and say yes to God’s plan for Joshua. Why could Moses do this? I believe that Moses’ nearness to God removed the fear of misplaced identity and replaced it with a desire to grow God’s kingdom regardless of his position.
Today, be near to God, and know you are known and loved as you seek how you lead those around you.
Questions for reflection:
- In what ways is God calling you to encourage and praise those you lead?
- Do you feel near to God? If so, reflect on how you have come to this place of nearness. If not, what can you do to become closer to God?