I know names are important…but, wow. If it weren’t for Moses turning the reigns over to Joshua in today’s reading I shudder to think about what this blog might contain…
Before I rattle on for a few minutes about Moses and Joshua…I noticed that some of the clans had developed “sub-clans”. I wonder what the criteria was to have a sub clan? I couldn’t find anything with a quick search. Most likely it was based on size, ie: your family gets so large that it begins to develop it’s own identity. I doubt that there was a set number or a ceremony or anything like that. It probably just happened over time and became broadly accepted.
The time in the desert is over now. The census reveals that ever single person over 20 who failed to enter the Promised Land the first time is now dead, except for Joshua and Caleb…the two spies who were faithful. Caleb is at least 80, and Joshua is at least 60..maybe older. I’m guess that beside Moses, they are two oldest people in the whole nation. I hadn’t thought of that before.
Moses is being retired from his leadership role. He is going home to heaven, but not because he lacks ability to lead the people, but because he is being disciplined for not doing exactly what he was told to do. It’s been about 39 years ago that Moses struck the rock with a staff instead of speaking to it. But for the Lord it’s only been a minute. God is just and fair, and although He forgave Moses and blessed his ministry greatly, there are still lessons to be taught, and this is one of them: You cannot be disobedient, or treat what is holy as common and expect to get away with it. When God says something is holy, treat it like it’s holy. This is serious business.
By the way, God declared the 7th day holy. Think about that for a minute. The Bible states that Christians are “Holy” people. How does realizing that change the way you treat other Christians? Don’t treat what is holy as common. It’s a basic rule of Christianity.
Moses isn’t complaining, even though he wants to go into the Promised Land. As a great leader, his first concern is for the people. He wants to make sure that the people won’t be left without leadership when he is called home. Joshua has been with Moses since the beginning of the Exodus. In chapter 17:8-10 we see that it was Joshua who led the first battle against the Amalekites. Joshua was with Moses when they went up the mountain to receive the Law from God. It was Joshua who heard the people celebrating idol worship in the camp as they came down from being in God’s presence. It was always Joshua who was going to take over for Moses, that’s why God had him there, learning and growing into the role. In fact, after the battle with the Amalekites, before the people have ever scouted out the promised land, God tells Moses to record a judgment against the Amalekites and “read it in the presence of Joshua”. 17:14. It was part of his training.
Is there someone that God has you training to take over the ministry when your time in charge is over? In the New Testament we refer to them as “Timothy’s”. People who are serving under others, learning the job. Timothy served under Paul. Joshua served under Moses. Who are you serving under? Is there a chance that God is grooming you for another position?
Who will carry on when you have finished?
Faithfully,
PR