How can we prepare future leaders like Moses did with Joshua? Framing the Moment “Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom, because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites obeyed him and did as the LORD had commanded Moses.” (Deuteronomy 34:9) This single verse captures a well-prepared handoff: wisdom in Joshua, affirmation from God, recognition by the people. How did Moses bring Joshua to that point, and what can we imitate? Tracing Moses’ Approach • Long-term relationship: Joshua first appears as Moses’ assistant in Exodus 24:13 and never leaves his side. • Intentional mentoring: Moses grants Joshua front-row seats—on Sinai (Exodus 24:13), in the tent of meeting (Exodus 33:11), battling Amalek (Exodus 17:9–14). • Public commissioning: Numbers 27:18-23 records the laying on of hands before the congregation. • Private encouragement: “Be strong and courageous” is repeated to Joshua personally (Deuteronomy 31:7-8, 23). • Spirit-empowered transfer: Moses prays; God fills Joshua with “the spirit of wisdom.” Skill and character arrive through both human investment and divine enablement. Practical Ways to Prepare Leaders Today 1. Share life, not just lessons • Invite younger believers into everyday ministry (Acts 16:1-3; Paul and Timothy). • Let them watch victories and failures alike so faith becomes tangible. 2. Teach the whole counsel of God • Moses rehearsed the law publicly (Deuteronomy 31:9-13). • Provide systematic, Scripture-saturated instruction; truth anchors leaders. 3. Model obedience under pressure • Joshua saw Moses intercede for rebellious Israel (Numbers 14). • Integrity witnessed is integrity learned. 4. Publicly recognize calling • Gather elders and congregation; lay on hands (1 Timothy 4:14). • Affirm gifts so the body unites behind new leadership. 5. Encourage courageous faith • Speak words of charge and promise (Joshua 1 echoes Moses’ earlier exhortations). • Remind upcoming leaders that God goes before them. 6. Release real responsibility • Moses let Joshua lead the battle (Exodus 17:9-13) and spy out Canaan (Numbers 13:8, 16). • Authority given before full succession builds competence and credibility. 7. Pray for Spirit-filled wisdom • Only God imparts the wisdom needed (James 1:5). • Consistent intercession precedes effective transition. Key Qualities to Impart • Servant-hearted humility (Numbers 12:3; Matthew 20:26-28) • Unwavering obedience (Deuteronomy 10:12-13) • Courage rooted in God’s promises (Joshua 1:6-9) • Dependence on God’s presence (Exodus 33:15) • Teachability and faithfulness (2 Timothy 2:2) Encouraging Continuity Moses never made the story about himself; he pointed Israel—and Joshua—back to the LORD. Leaders who keep Christ central ensure the handoff multiplies faith rather than personalities. Walking Forward Together Follow Moses’ pattern: invest early, teach thoroughly, model consistently, affirm publicly, pray persistently. When seasoned servants lay hands on prepared, Spirit-filled successors, God raises up leaders the people will joyfully follow, and His work advances unbroken from one generation to the next. |
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