A Change in Identity (Deuteronomy 3:23-29)

Bible Passages on Succession: Post 3 of 8

 Deuteronomy 3:23-29

I also pleaded with Yahweh at that time, saying, ‘O Lord Yahweh, You have begun to show Your slave Your greatness and Your strong hand; for what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do such works and mighty acts as Yours? Let me, I pray, cross over and see the good land that is beyond the Jordan, that good hill country and Lebanon.’ But Yahweh was angry with me on your account and would not listen to me; and Yahweh said to me, ‘Enough! Speak to Me no more of this matter. Go up to the top of Pisgah and lift up your eyes to the west and north and south and east, and see it with your eyes, for you shall not cross over this Jordan. But command Joshua and strengthen him and encourage him, for he shall go across at the head of this people, and he will cause them to inherit the land which you will see.’ (emphasis added)

Summary: Pisgah, the mountain where this encounter occurred, marked a profound shift in how Moses understood his identity as Israel's leader. Climbing Pisgah, his primary motivation was to lead Israel into Canaan. Coming down from Pisgah, his primary motivation had shifted to preparing his successor and Israel for the day he would no longer lead them. A careful look at verses 23-26 reveals this had been something Moses struggled with for quite some time. Even though the process was emotional and, at times, disappointing, Moses' desire to serve God weighed more than his personal agenda.

Key Insight: Succession planning is emotional before it becomes tactical. Transitioning leaders are wise to see help processing the personal aspects of transition.

Questions for Personal Reflection:

• How has my identity as a leader evolved with time, and how do I prepare myself emotionally and practically for my next stage of leadership?
• What specific role do I want to play once I am no longer the primary leader, and how can I best serve in that capacity?

Questions for Boards/Ministry Teams to Discuss:

• How can we help our transitioning leader (and their spouse!) navigate the emotional aspects of their transition, both during and after the process?
• How do we help other leaders manage their emotions during this process while also preparing them for future leadership roles?

Recommended Further Study

God tells Moses to command, strengthen, and encourage Joshua. A deeper dive into the meaning of each of these words provides a compelling framework through which you can encourage your successor, should you have the opportunity.