The time for the Israelites’ wandering was complete and it was also time for Moses’ succession of leadership. Within this interaction between Moses & God, we see the key qualities necessary for someone to be an effective leader of God’s people. God had reminded Moses of the reason why he would not be leading the people into the Promised Land. Rather than expressing self pity, Moses exemplified these qualities.
1. Selfless and chosen by God
Num. 27:15-21 “And Moses spake unto the LORD, saying, Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation,”
2. Leads by example
“Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in;”
3. Shepherds his followers.
“that the congregation of the LORD be not as sheep which have no shepherd.”
4. Spirit-filled
“And the LORD said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit,”
5. Ordained by God and man.
“and lay thine hand upon him; And set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight. And thou shalt put some of thine honour upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient.”
6. Open to godly counsel.
“And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the LORD:”
7. Natural leader
“at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.”
LESSON - Joshua had already displayed many of these qualities. It’s for this reason that God selected him from among the people to lead. He had already obtained the influence necessary to lead the people. The only thing he lacked was the official title and position. We all should strive for influence, not for position or power. Influence gives one the ability to serve the needs of others while position and power desires the service of others. Influence seeks to glorify God while the other form of leadership seeks self gratification. If you want your Life to matter, seek to be a servant-leader.
~Mike
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