How can we apply the principle of mentorship seen in Moses and Joshua? Setting the Scene: Moses, Joshua, and Divine Succession • Moses had walked with God for forty years in the wilderness, but even great leaders must pass the baton. • Numbers 27:18 anchors the moment: “Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him.’” • God Himself authorizes mentorship; handing down truth is not optional—it is the Lord’s design for sustaining His work. What We See in the Moses–Joshua Relationship • Long-term investment – Exodus 24:13 shows Joshua accompanying Moses up Sinai. – Numbers 11:28 calls Joshua “the attendant of Moses since youth.” • Spiritual modeling – Joshua witnesses intercession (Exodus 32), obedience (Numbers 12), and courage (Numbers 14). • Public endorsement – Laying on of hands (Numbers 27:18–23) gave visible confirmation to the people. • Transfer of wisdom and Spirit-empowerment – Deuteronomy 34:9: “Joshua … was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him.” Principles for Mentors Today • Walk closely with the Lord first; people cannot receive what we do not possess (John 15:5). • Invite a younger believer into real life, not just classroom moments—let them see victories, failures, repentance, and reliance on God. • Affirm them publicly when it’s time; your endorsement steadies their credibility (Acts 16:1-3 with Paul and Timothy). • Release them when God says it’s time; hoarding leadership stifles growth (2 Timothy 2:2). Principles for Mentees • Serve faithfully in hidden seasons; Joshua spent decades in the shadows before Numbers 27. • Guard your heart against jealousy or impatience—God exalts in due time (1 Peter 5:6). • Seek the Spirit above status: God chose Joshua because “the Spirit” was in him, not because of résumé (Zechariah 4:6). • Stay teachable; even after promotion Joshua keeps God’s law before him day and night (Joshua 1:8). Practical Steps for Churches and Families 1. Identify: Pray for God to highlight those “in whom is the Spirit.” 2. Pair: Match seasoned believers with emerging servants; age is helpful but spiritual maturity is essential. 3. Structure: Schedule consistent time—study, service projects, shared meals. 4. Celebrate: Mark milestones—commission youth group leaders, lay hands on new ministry heads, give testimonies. 5. Multiply: Encourage every mentored believer to mentor someone else (Titus 2:3-4). Encouraging Outcomes • Continuity of sound doctrine (2 Timothy 1:13-14). • A steady stream of courageous leaders who know God personally (Joshua 1:5-9). • A watching world sees generational unity that only the gospel can create (John 13:35). |
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