Once again, the main outline is from the Open Bible, slightly edited.
God set aside Moses (27:12-14)
These were sad words for Moses to hear after faithfully leading the people for 40 years, except for the time he hit the rock instead of speaking to it.
He was to climb to the top of mount Abarim (also known as Mount Nebo) where he would die and God would bury him.
Joshua is appointed to replace Moses (27:15-23).
Rather than arguing with God, Moses turned his focus on God’s replacement. He did not want the congregation to be like sheep without a shepherd (27:17).
The Lord told him to take Joshua. God tells us that Joshua had the Spirit of God. Remember, the O.T. saints did not all have the Spirit of God indwelling them as believers today do. Moses was to lay his hands on Joshua in the sight of Eleazar the priest (Aaron’s son) and all the congregation. He then was to give him a charge of leadership. God wanted all Israel to know that both Moses and God had approved of Joshua so that they would obey him (27:20).
Eleazar was to use the Urim (the holy lot) in the sight of the people to visually show that Joshua was God’s choice (27:21).
Moses obeyed what God said to do and gave Joshua a charge. This charge was an appointment. It was a commissioning service.
We find the sequel to this in Joshua 1
Joshua 1 picks up right after Moses died and was buried by God. We note the important words “the LORD spake unto Joshua” in the first verse. He needed God’s word and direction to lead this great nation. Joshua is now about 80 years old. He and Caleb are the oldest men in Israel, forty years older than any others.
God gave direction to Joshua (1:2-9). He was to take Israel over Jordan into the Promised Land. God assured him of victory (1:3-5). God commanded him to be strong and of good courage (cf., Deut 31:6, 7, 23; Josh 1:6, 9, 18, 25). Why would God repeat this so many times? He and Israel who were ex-slaves and wilderness wanderers were about to face armies of trained soldiers and strongly fortified cities. From a human standpoint, this was an overwhelming task.
God knew that Joshua was apprehensive and fearful. Thus, He charged him not to be afraid or dismayed. To be dismayed is “an action or person that is broken in terror, fear or dismay.” AHLB. It is to shake when scared to death.
In the midst of God’s charge to Joshua, He placed a great emphasis on the Bible. Read Joshua 1:8. We are not leading an untrained army against fortified cities, but we all are leaders. Husbands are to lead their wives and families. Wives are to help lead their children. Older children help lead their younger siblings. You may lead at work or at church. As leaders, we are to be readers of God’s Word. Joshua was to speak it, meditate on it day and night, and observe to do all of it.
Does God expect any less from you and me? I think not! The Scriptures are to be in our hearts, on our minds, and constantly fleshed out in our daily activities. We cannot expect God’s blessing of prosperity and success if we fail in this duty.
Principles for Us Today
The consequences of sin are often painful. Moses longed to enter the Promised Land, but he was not allowed. The devil wants you and me to think that consequences for sin won’t take place, but he is a liar.
God wants you and me to be fearless leaders who are led by daily Bible study, meditation, and application. If that does not describe your present condition, ask God to help you.
When facing overwhelming and fearful events, God wants us to depend on Him and on His word for strength and courage.
