Daily Devotions
Passing the Baton Gracefully
Reading for February 18th: Numbers 27-29
Moses spoke to the LORD, saying, "Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation who shall go out before them and come in before them, who shall lead them out and bring them in, that the congregation of the LORD may not be as sheep that have no shepherd."
Numbers 27:15-17
It's hard for leaders who have labored so long and so diligently in the Lord's service to allow the next generation to come along beside them (or in front of them) and have opportunities to lead. But it's necessary if the baton is going to be passed to do so willingly and gracefully.
Moses was told at Meribah that he would not be allowed to enter the promised land because of his sin. He is told here at Abarim that he is to ascend the mountain, view the land and then be gathered to his people.
I'm impressed by Moses' response. He doesn't argue with the LORD about how unfair it is that he is not allowed to enter. His thoughts are not about himself. Instead, he thinks about his people. He has labored with them for 40 years. He knows how much they are like sheep. He asks God to provide them another shepherd to lead them into the promised land.
Godly leaders are not driven by pride or selfish motives. They do not seek applause, or money, or any other carnal benefits of being in a position of authority. They only seek what is best for God's people. They realize they are stewards. It's not about them. It's about God's people.
Father, thank you for all of the godly men and women who have invested themselves into my development as a man and given me opportunities to use my talents. Help us all to have a mind to what is best for your people and not our own part in the Kingdom. Give us opportunities to mentor young men and women who will carry on the torch after we're gone.
