A Desire for the People (Numbers 27:12-23)

Bible Passages on Succession: Post 2 of 8

Numbers 27:12-23

Then Yahweh said to Moses, “Go up to this mountain of Abarim, and see the land which I have given to the sons of Israel. So when you have seen it, you too will be gathered to your people, as Aaron your brother was, for in the wilderness of Zin, during the strife of the congregation, you rebelled against My command to treat Me as holy before their eyes at the water.” (These are the waters of Meribah of Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.) 

Then Moses spoke to Yahweh, saying, “May Yahweh, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation, who will go out and come in before them, and who will lead them out and bring them in, so that the congregation of Yahweh will not be like sheep which have no shepherd.” So Yahweh said to Moses, “Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him; and have him stand before Eleazar the priest and before all the congregation, and commission him in their sight. And you shall put some of your splendor on him, in order that all the congregation of the sons of Israel may obey him. Moreover, he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall inquire for him by the judgment of the Urim before Yahweh. At his command they shall go out, and at his command they shall come in, both he and the sons of Israel with him, even all the congregation.” So Moses did just as Yahweh commanded him; and he took Joshua and had him stand before Eleazar the priest and before all the congregation. Then he laid his hands on him and commissioned him, just as Yahweh had spoken by the hand of Moses.

Summary: Numbers 27:12-23 and Deuteronomy 3:23-29 offer parallel insights into the moment God confronted Moses with his need to identify a successor. Despite Moses' frustration with the people of Israel, his desire to serve God ultimately outweighed any desire to protect his personal legacy.

Key Insight: Your leadership creates the opportunity for a lasting legacy. The way you transition determines whether that legacy is an inspiring example or a cautionary tale.

Questions for Personal Reflection:

• What concerns do I have about stepping aside, and how might those influence my decisions about the ministry's future?
• How do I focus on the ministry's long-term well-being rather than allowing concerns about my personal legacy to shape my decisions?

Questions for Boards/Ministry Teams to Discuss:

• How can we meaningfully demonstrate appreciation for the contribution and lasting impact of our transitioning leader?
• What practical steps can we take to foster an environment where succession conversations are welcomed and seen as a natural part of leadership?