Deuteronomy 3 - Steve Wiggins Daily Devotional

“‘Go to the top of Pisga and look to the west, north, south, and east, and see it with your own eyes, for you will not cross this Jordan. But commission Joshua and encourage and strengthen him, for he will cross over ahead of the people and enable them to inherit this land that you will see.’ So we stayed in the valley facing Beth-Peor.’” Deuteronomy 3:27-29

It has been said that success is defined by the successor. That is, it’s not enough to build a big organization. The true test of ministry success is whether you can build something that would thrive in your absence. Every organization, dependant on a founder/leader’s charisma, has to cope with the eventual absence/extraction of its charismatic leader.

Healthy organizations are built on principles, products, ideals and ideas that are bigger than any particular leader.

One scenario that is particularly tense is how a leader copes with his/her eventual passing. Does he mentor a young leader, pick an older colleague as a successor, or leave the organization unfit for the future? This was Moses’ test. The L_rd told him he would die soon, and Joshua was going to succeed him.

For a moment, remember how G_d told Abraham he would not enter the land, but His offspring would. Abraham trusted the L_rd. For him, knowing the future was the same as living it. He died in peace.

Saul, on the other hand, knew David was anointed as his successor. Saul did not delight over G_d’s provision for Israel. He wanted his son Jonathan to be king, and even rebuked Jonathan for his acquiescence to David’s eventual kingship. So, Saul tried to kill David.

Herod, at the time of Yeshua’s birth, tried to prevent Messiah from reigning, by murdering the male babies in Bethlehem.

Moses had to decide either to honor the L_rd, or give himself over to envy. The L_rd told Moses that Joshua would accomplish Moses’ dream: He would lead Israel into Canaan. Furthermore, G_d also commanded Moses to encourage and strengthen Joshua.

It is a testimony of Moses’ humility that he obeyed the L_rd. Standing on top of Mount Pisgah, it was enough for Moses to see the future…a prosperous future without Moses. By the way, it is impossible to view the whole Promised Land from where Moses stood…I’ve been there. The L_rd must have enabled Moses to see, (as Abraham was enabled) what is impossible for men.

Messianic (Christian) leaders must set their hearts to the betterment of the community of believers (above personal agendas) to ensure the next generation thrives in the L_rd.

Blessings,
~Steve Wiggins, Associate Leader, Worship Leader
Shuvah Yisrael
Daily Devotional, Sunday, June 15, 2014