Moses’ shadow

March 9, 2007

By William E. Richardson

“As I was with Moses, so I will be with you” (Joshua 1:5, NKJV).

He led the Israelites from Egyptian bondage, through the desert wilderness, to the edge of the Promised Land. After 40 years as Israel’s leader, Moses’ authoritative voice and passionate intercession fell silent. Moses died.

The Israelites still needed a leader. Moses’ sandals were big ones to fill. His persona cast a giant shadow! Moses’ apprentice, Joshua, was the one in line to don the mantle of leadership, to pick up the staff as Moses’ successor.

Joshua had been the long-term trainee for decades. That was fine. But, assume the role of leader of the nation? Regardless of his personal feelings about readiness, it was Joshua’s time.

This year, this month, or this week, you may find yourself in such a situation. It’s your opportunity to step into a new, challenging role. Perhaps a role someone with awesome abilities held before you. It could be a promotion at work. It might be a position at church. If the offer makes your hands sweat and your heart beat double-time, welcome to Moses’ shadow.

It’s a place God brings us to. We need to remember He brings us there to succeed. A few reminders about Joshua’s transition can help us get started.

God didn’t call Joshua to be Moses. Moses’ job — lead the people through the wilderness to Canaan’s border. He did that. Joshua’s task — lead the people to victory by taking the Promised Land. Joshua’s job was not to imitate Moses. The sun set on Moses’ mission. A new day dawned for Joshua’s mission.

You cannot be the person who used to fill your position. You bring unique gifts needed at this time.

God equipped Joshua for the task. God calls the leader. He affirms that He opened the door. He readies us. God promised to make up for Moses’ lack of eloquence (Exodus 4:10-12) and for Joshua’s lack of courage (Joshua 1:6,7).

Just as Moses’ moment of certainty was seared into his heart at the burning bush, God assured Joshua after Moses’ death in such a way that prevented him ever looking back. You’ll have your moment of certainty.

God proved Joshua’s leadership. After calling the leader, God leads the leader. In time, the name “Joshua” brought the same respect as the name “Moses.” Joshua established the new nation’s geographical boundaries and the people conquered the land. Not without problems of course. But each time a problem arose God helped Joshua rise to the challenge. You serve the same God.

Something else surrounded that biblical changing of the guard. Joshua’s success was a sure thing as long as he stayed true to the One who placed him in his position. Joshua’s victory came from obeying God’s Word. He couldn’t go wrong if he refused to “turn from it,” deciding instead to “meditate in it day and night” and obey it (Joshua 1:7,8).

When you feel the initial uncertainty of standing in Moses’ shadow, stand in Joshua’s shadow for a while. Listen to God’s encouragement and directive to stay on the path His Word marks out. You’ll do well.

William E. Richardson is senior pastor of Afton (Iowa) Assembly of God.