By Douglas K. Wilson, Ph.D.
Dean of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
GOD COMMISSIONS
Numbers 27:12–23
Throughout the revelation of Scripture passing on responsibility to the next generation has been a recurring theme. Fathers received the charge to train their sons (Deut. 6:7, 20–25). Aaron modeled the role of high priest for Eleazar through the years of wilderness wanderings. David prepared Solomon to be his heir to the throne. Elijah passed on his mantle to Elisha. Jesus trained His disciples. Barnabas invested in Paul and later in John Mark. Paul entrusted Timothy and Titus with leadership responsibility.
In our focal passage for this lesson we will see Moses identify his successor, a man chosen by God and tested by trial. We will also observe the shepherd heart of Moses, which informs our understanding of the purpose for his sermons in Deuteronomy to the next generation as they prepared to enter the promised land.
Before that, however, we will read of Moses’ glimpse of the land he would never enter.
Facing Death (12–14)
Moses and Aaron received a death sentence in Numbers 20 and Aaron died soon thereafter. According to God’s judgment, neither man would enter the promised land. God reminded Moses that he would die because of his disobedience.
These highlighted verses also demonstrate God’s grace as He granted Moses the privilege to see the land promised in the Abrahamic covenant.
We are all facing death. “It is appointed for people to die once” (Heb. 9:27). As we anticipate our inevitable end, what are we doing with the time remaining? Moses continued to lead until he had finished his course (Deut. 34).
As Paul wrote a letter of encouragement to his disciple Timothy, he wrote that he had fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith (2 Tim. 4:7). May God grant us grace to finish well even in the face of death.
Looking to the Future (15–17)
Though the Lord reminded Moses that he would be “gathered to [his] people,” Moses was concerned about the people of Israel. They would need someone to lead them. Moses had already seen one generation lost.
They witnessed the mighty hand of God at work delivering them from Egypt, from natural barriers, from hunger and thirst and from adversaries. Still they wanted to go back to Egypt or die in the wilderness. So God granted their request.
Moses did not want another generation to be lost. God’s people needed a shepherd to guide them.
This passage reminds us of another one, when Jesus looked on the people of His day and had compassion on them (Matt. 9:36–38). He instructed His disciples to pray that the Lord of the harvest would send laborers. Then Jesus sent them to be laborers (Matt. 10:1–5).
One of the greatest responsibilities granted a pastor-teacher or a missionary is to “equip the saints for the work of ministry” (Eph. 4:11–12). Paul took this calling seriously and he charged Timothy to look toward the future, preparing others behind him. In fact in a single verse (2 Tim. 2:2) Paul addressed four generations of believers (Paul, Timothy, reliable men, others). May we be found faithful to equip the coming generations to carry out the Great Commission.
God Provides (18–23)
God prepared Joshua in a number of ways for his upcoming role. Joshua had led the Israelite army into battle. He stood by Moses when one generation turned its back on him. He heard all the complaints and all the accusations. Through it all Joshua endured. He remained steadfast and God prepared him.
The Holy Spirit of God was in him. Moses publicly placed his hand on Joshua to invest him with authority and Eleazar the high priest would inquire before the Lord on his behalf. Moses did as God commanded and Moses commissioned Joshua for service.
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