March 30 - Judges 1-2: Introducing the (Need for) Judges

Today’s Reading: Judges 1-2

The Message

English Standard Version

Today we begin Judges. Chapters one and two introduce the need for judges. The first chapter repeats much of Joshua, so scan through it if you are behind or are short on time.

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Israel ignored God's commands to tear down the altars to the false gods of the people in Canaan even though He repeated it so often.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

After Joshua died God told Judah to fight the Canaanites. Judah and Simeon teamed up to conquer their lands.
Eventually Israel failed to drive out the Canaanites and made them slaves.
Though God never broke His Promise Israel did not keep their promise. Because they did not tear down the alters in Canaan God allowed the Canaanites to stay. They would cause Israel to worship other gods.
When Israel worshiped other gods they were punished. God raised judges to redeem Israel but they would not listen and remained in sin. The nation of Israel would not be wholly for God.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

The first chapter of Judges sets the background for the book.

Each book of the Bible was circulated on its own for thousands of years. This meant it needed to tell background information to set the stage for what would happen in its contents. This is why the first chapter repeats much of Joshua. People reading or listening to the text would need this chapter to remember what they read or heard a few months/years ago when they read the other book.

Israel fails to obey God's most-repeated law.

It what may be the saddest part of scripture so far, God reprimanded Israel for not following the law that was repeated more times than any other law—destroy any and every trace of the gods of the Canaanites. Because they would not do this God would no longer protect them. Canaan's unholy influence would overtake them and they would be punished. When God's Chosen People do not make themselves wholly for God (holy) then they will eventually forsake God completely.

Israel's new generation does not follow in its predecessor's footprints.

Disobeying another oft repeated law, Israel fails to pass on faith in God to their children. Whether this is the fault of the parents or of the children God does not say—most likely because it is not important. Parents must pass on to their children that that God is setting all things right on this earth or they will not be wholly for God (holy).

God provides Israel's judges.

Even though Israel is not willing to obey God, He still sends them judges to call them back into a right relationship with Him. God is willing to call His Chosen People even when they are not willing to obey Him. How wonderful is our God!

God uses the Canaanites to test Israel's faith.

Since Israel was not willing to destroy the idols of the Canaanites God would no longer drive the Canaanites out of the land. This meant Israel would not only have to fight them when they wished for revenge but they would also tempt Israel to worship their gods. When we are not holy, God allows us to keep temptations around.

In what ways has God not driven out your Canaanite temptations?

March 29 - Joshua 22-24: The Conquest Concludes

Today’s Reading: Joshua 22-24

The Message

English Standard Version

Today we finish Joshua! (If you are keeping count, that's seven books.) The nation of Israel is at last at peace. Tomorrow we begin the interesting time of the Judges.

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Israel is now willing to punish anyone not willing to worship God alone—even their own people.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Joshua dismissed the three tribes to return across the Jordan. They were very rich from the spoils of war.
On their way, they built a large altar by the Jordan. It was built to symbolize the common history of the tribes on both sides.
Many peaceful years later, Joshua warned Israel of the surrounding nations' gods and reminded them of their history with God from the time of Abraham. He repeated the harsh penalties for cheating on God. He called Israel to choose who they would worship. Joshua and all Israel chose to worship God.
Joshua and Eleazar died.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

The Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh have followed through on their promise.

To receive land east of the Jordan River these three tribes promised to go with their brothers into Canaan until all of that land was conquered. Their job was completed. Now, roughly eight years later, they are able to go home—rich from what was salvaged from the Canaanites. God can set things right on the earth when His Chosen People fulfill their promises.

For all of its drama, the story of the altar, "A Witness Between Us," gives a great example of conflict resolution.

Phinehas is a man willing to bring God's punishment on anyone who worships another god—even his own countrymen. Yet he does not run among the three tribes "guns a-blazing." He openly and forcefully tells the tribes why he opposes their actions and allows them to give their rationale in constructing this massive altar. At the end of their explanation Phinehas has changed his mind. This altar served as a sign of peace and unity. Because Phinehas was willing to be open about his feelings of hurt and listen (and believe) to the three tribes' feelings peace was preserved. When a person is open about their hurts and listen to the other side's intentions God can set things right on this earth.

Joshua repeats the warnings against the influence of the surrounding nations.

In yet another example of the leader of the Israelites warning them to stay free from the harmful influence of the nations around them Joshua tells his people to stay away from the other nations' gods.

Don't get mixed up with the nations that are still around. Don't so much as speak the names of their gods or swear by them. And by all means don't worship or pray to them. Hold tight to God, your God, just as you've done up to now. God has driven out superpower nations before you. And up to now, no one has been able to stand up to you. Think of it - one of you, single-handedly, putting a thousand on the run! Because God is God, your God. Because he fights for you, just as he promised you. (23:7-10, The Message)

God's Chosen People must be wholly for God!

Joshua gives Israel a choice in who they will worship.

After he repeats how God called Israel, liberated Israel, and gave land to Israel, Joshua gives Israel a choice: the gods of their ancestors (that did not call, liberate, or give land to them), the gods of the people who lived in Canaan (that did not call, liberate, or give land to them), or God (the god that called, liberated, and gave land to them).
The fact that Joshua can give Israel a choice, "If you decide that it's a bad thing to worship God, then choose a god you'd rather serve - and do it today" (24:15, The Message) shows how God is a benevolent god. God gives us a choice in what god we choose to worship. Make sure it is the God who liberates and protect you!

Be strong and courageous!

March 28 - Joshua 19-21: Conquered Canaan is Parceled Out (Part 3 of 3)

Today’s Reading: Joshua 19-21

The Message

English Standard Version

Today is the final day where Canaan is given to the tribes. Unless you really like saying words in Hebrew, try not to say them in your head. Scan through these areas if you are getting bogged down.

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Once again we see a tribe of Israel unable to fulfill God's entire promise.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Joshua and Eleazar finished giving the unconquered land of Canaan to the tribes left. Dan could not push out the people in the West but could conquer Leshem.
God instructed Joshua to designate the asylum cities. Six cities were chosen—three from east and three from west of the Jordan.
The Levites went to Eleazar and Joshua and requested towns and grasslands for their inheritance among the other tribes. They were given 48 towns.
God gave Israel rest on all sides to fulfill part of the promise. Everything God told Israel would happen happened.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

These chapters are included for the generations after the conquest to know how to return the land in the Jubilee.

(Repeat of Monday's comment)
God's Law stated that the land would return to the original families at the Jubilee. Therefore, a list of who received what was essential to know how to return the land. (Foreshadowing—Israel never obeys the Jubilee commands.)

God finished all he promised Israel before they entered Canaan.

God has given Canaan to Israel just as he promised both to their ancestors and the current generation. Now Israel transitions from being a conquering force to being a nation in their own land. God will fulfill His promises!

Be strong and courageous!

March 27 - Joshua 16-18: Conquered Canaan is Parceled Out (Part 2 of 3)

Today’s Reading: Joshua 16-18

The Message

English Standard Version

Today is day two of three where Canaan is given to the tribes. Unless you really like saying words in Hebrew, try not to say them in your head. Scan through these areas if you are getting bogged down.

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Notice the difference in faith between Joshua and the descendents of Joseph.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

The tribe of Manasseh was unable to drive out the Canaanites. They still lived among Israel but were forced laborers. Manasseh's descendents went to Joshua asking for more land. The Canaanites were too strong and had iron chariots. Joshua agreed that Manasseh needed more land but reminded them that they could defeat the Canaanites, iron chariots or no iron chariots.
Seven tribes had not received their inheritance. Joshua went to them and asked why they were waiting. Twenty-one men were chosen to describe the land and return to Joshua. When they returned he apportioned the land according to lot.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

These chapters are included for the generations after the conquest to know how to return the land in the Jubilee.

(Repeat of yesterday's comment)
God's Law stated that the land would return to the original families at the Jubilee. Therefore, a list of who received what was essential to know how to return the land. (Foreshadowing—Israel never obeys the Jubilee commands.)

The tribe of Manasseh shows how God cannot set things right when His Chosen People do not trust His Ability.

The discussion with the Manassehites gives yet another example of how Joshua's faith differs from Israel's. Manasseh's descendents have forgotten God's promise given just a few years ago. They are afraid of the Canaanites and therefore are unwilling and unable to force them out. Joshua has to remind them that Canaan is theirs and they can have it. Unfortunately, they do not trust that saying and the Canaanites stay in their cities. God cannot set things right on this earth when His Chosen People doubt His Abilities.

Manasseh's faith is running low and will come back to hurt them later.

Israel has been at war for almost five years and they still haven't finished conquering the land. This is why the tribe of Manasseh is unable to drive out the Canaanites completely. As time goes by this will become a great stumbling block for them and their need to be (w)holy. When God's Chosen People lose faith in God's abilities their ability to remain holy is compromised.

Be strong and courageous!

March 26 - Joshua 12-15: Conquered Canaan is Parceled Out (Part 1 of 3)

Today’s Reading: Joshua 12-15

The Message

English Standard Version

Today's reading begins three days of Israel allocating the land to each tribe. Unless you really like saying words in Hebrew, try not to say them in your head. There are also several lists. Scan through these areas if you are getting bogged down.

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Caleb gets his due reward.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Israel defeated thirty-one kings so far.
God told Joshua that although he was old he had lots of land to conquer. God listed it and told Joshua to go.
The land that had been conquered already was allotted to several of the tribes according to their size. The Levites did not receive an inheritance, since the sacrifices of the other tribes would be theirs.
Caleb, now 85-years-old and as strong as ever, received land and drove out its inhabitants. He gave two springs and his daughter to the conqueror of a difficult foe.
The Jebusites lived in Jerusalem among Judah.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

These chapters are included for the generations after the conquest to know how to return the land in the Jubilee.

God's Law stated that the land would return to the original families at the Jubilee. Therefore, a list of who received what was essential to know how to return the land. (Foreshadowing—Israel never obeys the Jubilee commands.)

Joshua and Caleb received a long life because they trusted God to set all things right.

Joshua and Caleb trusted that God could bring them into Canaan the first time Israel came to the Jordan  Both escaped punishment. Joshua's life would be prolonged until the conquest was over. Caleb's was prolonged so he could receive land and conquer it as well. God rewards those who have faith that He will set all things right on the Earth.
This does not mean that Christians will have their lives prolonged or that a person who dies young was a sinner. It does mean we should expect a blessing when we trust that God is setting all things right, an unearned but graciously-received blessing from God.

Not all of the people in Canaan were driven out.

We will read in Judges why Judah could not drive out the Jebusites. However, what is important to see here is that the Hivites at Gibeon and the Jebusites were still in the land. This will come up again in future readings.

Be strong and courageous!

March 25 - Joshua 9-11: Israel Conquers Canaan (Almost)

Today’s Reading: Joshua 9-11

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Notice the difference in outcome when Israel consults God and when they do not consult God.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

The Hivites at Gibeon tricked Israel by imitating emissaries from a far land. They became Israel's servants.
Several kings attacked Israel and Gibeon. Israel roundly defeated them when God rained stones on the kings' armies and held the sun to help Israel kill their enemy. Joshua executed the five kings to show Israel God's power.
Other kings attacked Israel and God gave them into their hands. The abnormally-tall tribe was driven out of Canaan.
Joshua and Israel did all that God commanded them to do through Moses—conquer the land of Canaan. Israel rested from war.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

The story of the Hivites at Gibeon shows the perils of not consulting God on decisions.

Israel decided not to take the strange emissary's request to God before agreeing even though they had reservations at first. This provides a great example that all decisions should have God's approval through prayer. Do not make decisions without consulting God in prayer.

Joshua executes the kings in public to remind Israel that God was defeating their enemies before them.

The conquest of Canaan took a long time. Israel could have become war-weary or questioned God's ability to defend them. So Joshua gives yet another example of God helping Israel—defeating the five kings. Leaders should show how God is helping His Chosen People.

The new generation fulfilled another part of God's promise to Abraham—land.

This generation finished the task God wanted the preceding generation to accomplish—the conquest of Canaan. They were faithful. God will fulfill His Promises when His Chosen People are faithful.

The people of Canaan are being punished for their sin.

Reading this section of scripture is difficult. There is a lot of death and destruction. It is easy to write this off as God being a ruthless, punishing god. This assessment of God is one of the major reasons I wanted to write this blog in the first place. If you have followed the entire readings you know that God has repeatedly given Israel reasons to not allow the Canaanites to live. This reason is a simple one—the people in Canaan disobeyed God and polluted the land. God is cleansing the land of their sin. It is difficult for us to read this section of scripture because of its violence. However, we should feel more uncomfortable because of what it says about God's character. God will punish people who do not set things right on this earth.

Be strong and courageous!

March 24 - Joshua 5-8: The Next Generation Obeys (Almost)

Today’s Reading: Joshua 5-8

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

God punishes all who do not obey Him.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

The kings west of the Jordan cowered because God protected Israel.
Joshua circumcised the men at Gilgal. Israel ate grain from Canaan. The manna stopped. Israel was home.
God ordered the destruction of Jericho. Israel circumvented Jericho once for six days and seven times the seventh day. The walls fell and Israel destroyed everything except Rahab and her family.
Israel attacked Ai but lost. God had removed his protection because Achan took booty from Jericho. His entire household was stoned and buried.
Israel attacked Ai again and defeated it. Joshua built an altar and wrote the entire law on it.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

This generation is now "separate and apart" from its predecessor.

The generation that left Egypt never had true faith in God's abilities. They did not obey God's commands. In fact, they did not even circumcise their boys, the one sign that a person was a descendant of Abraham. The irony of their lack of faith is that God gave them all of the signs they would ever need and yet they did not obey God.
This generation is different. They will trust in God's abilities. They will circumcise their young and prove to God they are willing to obey Him. Each generation must choose to obey God on their own instead of relying on the faith of the former generation. Because this generation is willing to walk by faith and not by signs, God ends the gift of manna and allows Israel to eat of their land's produce.
Sometimes I see this in churches. Faith grows and wanes depending on the people in each congregation. One generation's lack of faith becomes the example for the next generation's massive growth of faith. The Chinese have an old proverb, "Wealth does not sustain beyond three generations." A corollary of this could be "Faith does not sustain beyond three generations."

The story of Jericho is about the people of Israel being willing to obey God, not a technical white paper on how to destroy a walled city.

What is lost in most critiques of the Bible and apologetics courses which spring up to combat such critiques is the true purpose of the Bible. It is not a science textbook, though there are scientific truths found within it. It is not a health pamphlet, though there are health truths found within it. It is not a primer on warfare, though there is war found within it. The Bible is a sourcebook on faith—leading a person to a closer relationship to the god of creation. The holes in the story which we, a culture strong on science and weak on faith, find lacking are due to our preconceived assumptions on what the Bible should and shouldn't include and not the Bible's limitations. The stories in the books of the history if the Jews have certain foci which are meant to lead a person to faith in the god of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
The focus of the story of Jericho is that God gave the people specific instructions and they obeyed without complaining. It carries on the theme from the previous chapter where God separates the new generation from the old. The older generation might have complained that their feet would have gotten tired with all of that walking or that it was a silly thing to walk around a city. This generation simply obeyed. God can set things right when His Chosen People obey His orders.

The story of Achan/Ai shows how the sins of one person can lead to the downfall of an entire nation.

This story seems odd to us. Why would God take away His Protection from Israel because one man, Achan, disobeyed? God called the Israelites to be a people wholly devoted to Him (holy) and Achan disregarded His commands and took control of his situation over God, which is sin. Because of him the entire people of God were no longer a holy nation. So God removed His Protection. This is why Achan's entire family and possessions were destroyed—they had to purge the camp of evil to return God's Protection. The sin of one person can spoil an entire congregation. Thank Jesus for the grace that prevents a sinner from being executed today because of his sin!

Joshua writes the entire Law on the altar stones to show Israel they defeated their enemies because of God's Protection and not their own skill.

Joshua is the leader of the Israelites. He has ultimate authority, almost as a king. Yet when they have a great military battle and utterly defeat their enemy Joshua doesn't stand before the people to cry out his own majesty. He bends down at an altar made of rough stone and writes down the Law of Moses. He will show everyone, native Israelite, foreigner, young, and old that he, Joshua, leader of the crusading army, is only a servant. God can set things right on the earth when His Chosen Leaders remind everyone that they have no authority or greatness apart from God.

Be strong and courageous!

March 23 - Joshua 1-4: Israel Crosses the Jordan, Rahab (a Non-Chosen Person) is Saved

Today’s Reading: Joshua 1-4

The Message

English Standard Version

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Rahab's story shows the proof of God's word—the nations would marvel at how God protected Israel.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

God told Israel to enter Canaan and charged them to be strong and courageous.
The Reubenites, Gadites, and Manassehites (who wanted the land east of the river) sent their armies across the Jordan. They expressed loyalty to Joshua.
Joshua sent two spies to Jericho. Rahab protected them. The entire city shook with fear from God's protection of the Israelites. Rahab's family would be saved because of her faith.
Joshua ordered the Ark of the Covenant be carried into the Jordan. The water stood upstream and Israel crossed on dry land. They removed 12 stones as a sign of God's works.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

God renews The Promise with the new generation.

Finally, Israel is ready to fulfill part of God's promise to Abraham. So God reminds the people again of His protection.

All your life, no one will be able to hold out against you. In the same way I was with Moses, I'll be with you. I won't give up on you; I won't leave you. Strength! Courage! (1:5-6, The Message)

God will protect His Chosen People when they make all things right on the earth.

The new generation wants to obey Joshua.

These people are very different than their previous generation. Moses had to argue, fight, and beg Israel to follow him. Joshua does not need to battle. They are willing and ready to go. God can make all things right when we follow the leaders God has chosen.

The story of Rahab is about how the people in Canaan feared God because He protected Israel.

Most English translations consider Rahab a harlot and thus make the story about an immoral woman who had faith in God. However, that is not the point at all. The main point of the story is her statement of faith,

I know that God has given you the land. We're all afraid. Everyone in the country feels hopeless. We heard how God dried up the waters of the Red Sea before you when you left Egypt, and what he did to the two Amorite kings east of the Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom you put under a holy curse and destroyed. We heard it and our hearts sank. We all had the wind knocked out of us. And all because of you, you and God, your God, God of the heavens above and God of the earth below. Now promise me by God. I showed you mercy; now show my family mercy. (2:9-12, The Message)

Rahab has greater faith in God than many of the Israelites! Rahab's profession was is immaterial to the story—and the reason it wasn't included in this text. God's protection of His Chosen People makes their enemies fear.

God protected Rahab because she protected His Chosen People.

Rahab and her entire family are saved from destruction because she was willing to set things right for God's Chosen People. She did this because of her faith. Yet she was not an Israelite and the spies did not tell her to obey the Torah (the laws section of the Pentateuch) to be saved. God will protect anyone willing to set things right on this earth.

Be strong and courageous!

March 22 - Deuteronomy 32-34, Psalm 91: Moses Says Goodbye to Israel

Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 32-34, Psalm 91

The Message

English Standard Version

We did it! We made it to the end of the Pentateuch! Pat yourself on the back. Give yourself a nice meal (that's what I did!). Kiss your children (you should do that anyway—what's wrong with you?).

Since you made it this far you should have lots and lots of notes that help you remember it all. You do have notes, right? You wrote down all the great things you saw God tell Israel in the Law of Moses? You didn't? That's okay, I know someone who is blogging through the Bible who might let you have his notes. (Can you tell I'm a little giddy about getting through the Pentateuch?)

Tomorrow we begin Joshua. Now let's calm down and say goodbye to my favorite person in scripture so far, Moses.

Thought to Guide Your Reading

There was never a prophet like Moses—with his power, ability, and life full of action.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

Moses taught Israel the song God commissioned. In it he spoke of God's greatness toward Jacob, the sins of Israel, and how God would punish them. He extols God's protection and His severe justice.
Moses blessed each tribe. He ends by praising Israel's God—unlike any god on earth!
God showed Moses the land of Canaan from Mount Nebo. Moses was not allowed to enter the land. Moses died. The people mourned his death for 30 days. There was never a prophet like Moses.
Joshua, filled with the spirit of wisdom, began to lead Israel. The people followed him.

Psalm (P)Synopsis

Psalm 91

This anonymous psalm (traditionally attributed to Moses) could serve as a shortened version of his song in chapter 32. In it he instructs everyone to call on God to be their refuge. Anyone who calls on God will be protected from all problems—even from stubbing their toe.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

Moses' song retells Israel's history in terms of God's goodness.

Moses' song goes back to Jacob and tells how God guided him to all he had. No foreign gods protected Jacob. Yet "Jeshurun" (the ironic name for the nation of Israel—meaning "upright" though everything they did was the opposite) did everything wrong. They grew fat, lazy, and happy. They began sacrificing to foreign gods and forgot their god,

They are a nation of ninnies, they don't know enough to come in out of the rain. If they had any sense at all, they'd know this; they would see what's coming down the road. (32:28-29, The Message)

By singing this song the people were able to remember their common history and the mistakes that were made by their ancestors.

Moses' blessings are similar to Jacob's in that they tell how each tribe would live.

Moses' blessings matched each tribe's personality and the trajectory of their future. This will be shown in the books of history.

There was never a prophet like Moses.

Moses had an extremely significant life. He grew up in Pharaoh's house as an adopted grandson, rejected his upbringing to protect his people, fled into the wilderness for 40 years where he married and began a family, returned to Egypt to battle the pharaoh, freed his people, and guided these people for 42 years wondering in the wilderness. In all that time he never lost faith in God, only once took control over God, and protected Israel when they doubted God. What a wonderful man of faith, a wonderful man of God! May we all have the faith of Moses!

God will not allow anything to harm anyone who calls on His name.

In a passage which will come up again in the New Testament, Moses tells Israel that God would protect them through all trials and in all circumstances. God will protect His people.

That's it! What was your favorite/least favorite part of the Pentateuch? 

March 6 - Numbers 26-27: God Prepares Israel for Transition

Today’s Reading: Numbers 26-27

The Message

English Standard Version

Chapter 26 is another census. Scan down to verse 52 and pick up there if you don't have time to read all of it.

Thought to Guide Your Reading

Moses wants to make sure there is smooth transition to the next leader.

Summary in 100 Words or Less

God retook the census. This time there were 601,703 adult males. Each tribe (except the Levites) would receive a proportion of the land based on their size. No person from the first census lived until the second census except Caleb and Joshua. This fulfilled God's punishment.
The daughters of Zelophehad petitioned Moses and Eleazar to receive their father's inheritance. God made a statute that daughters could receive their father's inheritance if he had no sons.
God prepared Moses to die. Moses asked God to choose a replacement. God chose Joshua. Joshua was shown to the Israelites as their next leader.

How Today’s Reading Contributes to the Gospel: God is Setting All Things Right

God's punishment came true.

God punished the people for not trusting that they would conquer Canaan with God's aid. This second census shows that God's punishment came true. No one over 20 at the time of the first census lived until the second census. God's promises and punishments will happen.

God protects women.

Americans may see God's judgment as sexist. Compared to 21st-century Western morals this would be true. However, God is not speaking to 21st-century Westerners. Women were considered property by most cultures of that time. The fact that God grants this petition (or that Moses even heard the petition in the first place) shows that God wants to protect women (although he did not protect Hoglah from a terrible name—at least in English).

Why does God only give an inheritance to women if there is no brother? Simple, a woman received the inheritance of her husband. When a woman was married to a man of another tribe she became one of that tribe. She received the inheritance of that tribe. If a woman was not married she would receive the inheritance of her brother. Women were not considered equal to men, but were not left out in the cold. God will protect those who do not have someone to protect them.

Moses cares for the Israelite's leadership even after his death.

In one of his final displays of great leadership Moses asks God to choose a man to secede him when he died. He did not want the people of Israel to be left without a guide. This is the man who could not enter the land of Canaan because these people made him so angry he did not obey God. Yet even in the face of his punishment he cared for the people. Moses was a man who was dedicated to setting things right.
Leaders, take Moses' example to heart. Pray that God will choose your successor. Then make sure the community knows that God has chosen this person to lead them. Leaving a congregation leaderless or in limbo over who should be the next leader tarnishes a good reputation.