SET A MAN OVER

Moses had failed to sanctify God before the eyes of the children of Israel. The result was he, with Aaron, forfeited the privilege of entering Canaan with his people.

Instructed by God, he ascended the mountain of Abarim that formed a tableland, to a point called Mount Nebo that he might have a sight of the Promised Land before his death. It was breathtaking, and perhaps the greatest emotional experience Moses had in his lifetime.

There was no expression of the excitement that must have filled His heart at what God was showing him of all the lands that formed the people’s inheritance. That God did not allow him to lead the people into the Promised Land did not fill Moses with self-pity or mourning. Typical of this selfless man, his immediate concern was for the people of God, that they be not as sheep that have no shepherd. Moses was different to Hezekiah who said, ‘Is it not good, if peace and truth be in my days?’, 2 Kgs. 20. 19. He was content to go to his rest in good days, but there was no concern for the future of God’s people.

Moses first concern was for his people. He spoke to the Lord about their future. He said, ‘Let the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation, which may go out before them lead them out which may bring them in’ to the land. God chose Joshua, a man in whom the Spirit dwelt.

Moses, a mature man of God, still in prime physical condition, would have dearly loved to be there when his people finally crossed the Jordan into the land of Canaan. There must have been a tinge of disappointment in his heart, yet Moses unflinchingly obeyed Jehovah to the very end. He went to his rest, knowing the congregation of the Lord would be not as sheep which have no shepherd.

God heard the prayer of His servant and instructed him concerning Joshua. Moses, before going to his reward, inaugurated the younger man whom God had chosen into his new responsibility of leadership. If all leaders of God’s people had the same exercise to pray for those who could be future leaders among the saints, what a boon it would be for the people of God! Like Moses they can then go to their reward, knowing the people are not left as sheep without a shepherd.