Captain, My Captain!
Read Numbers 26:1–31:54
15. Then Moses said to the Lord,
16. “O Lord, you are the God who gives breath to all creatures. Please appoint a new man as leader for the community.
17. Give them someone who will guide them wherever they go and will lead them into battle, so the community of the Lord will not be like sheep without a shepherd.”
18. The Lord replied, “Take Joshua son of Nun, who has the Spirit in him, and lay your hands on him.
19. Present him to Eleazar the priest before the whole community, and publicly commission him to lead the people. . . .”
22. So Moses did as the Lord commanded. He presented Joshua to Eleazar the priest and the whole community.
23. Moses laid his hands on him and commissioned him to lead the people, just as the Lord had commanded through Moses. Numbers 27:15-19, 22-23
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If you ever played kickball at recess, you know what a difference having the right team captain can make. If you end up on the wrong team, it can be a long game.
Leaders who continually make bad decisions cause anxiety and anguish for those they lead. That’s why it’s important to choose leaders carefully.
Moses knew the value of good leadership. In this reading, he asks God to appoint a successor to lead the Israelites. But Moses doesn’t ask for just anyone, he asks the Lord for someone who will care for the Israelites. As you read this passage, notice whom God appoints as Moses’ successor.
Also look for lessons on preparing for worship; taking holidays; and safeguarding against making foolish vows.
Moses asked God to appoint a leader, one who could lead the people in battle but who would also care for their needs. The Lord responded by appointing Joshua, a man “who has the Spirit in him” (Numbers 27:18). Moses then presented Joshua to the people and commissioned him to serve as God had commanded. Moses also clearly told the people that Joshua had the authority and the ability to lead the nation.
Most of us are in the position of developing and choosing leaders. Leaders are important, and the kind of people we choose and the way we choose them matters a great deal. Whenever we see a change in leadership coming or we influence the choice of a leader, we should do as Moses did—first, ask God for a person who is both able and compassionate; then, commission and support the person in his or her new position.
In what ways are you developing leaders at home? at work? at church? in the community? What can you do to influence them to lead God’s way?
