PRAYING FOR SUCCESSORS

Today's reading: Numbers 25-28

"Then Moses said to the Lord, O Lord, the God of the spirits of all living things, please appoint a new leader for the community. Give them someone who will lead them into battle, so the people of the Lord will not be like sheep without a shepherd." Numbers 27:15-17 NLT

Moses had to be exhausted at this point in his life.

A river bassinet. A childhood in the palace. Running away from home. A burning bush experience. A call of God. A stand before Pharoah. A 40 year long camping expedition with over 2 millions grumbly people.

And in the verses leading up to this portion of Scripture, God allows Moses to climb a mountain to SEE the Promised Land, but lets him know he will not be going into it.

Whew!

Moses's response?

Throw a fit? Kick the dirt? Curse the Lord, or the mumblers among him, or his calling?

No.

He asked God to send the right man to step into his role as leader.

I won't be so bold as to think I might ever think like God thinks, but consider this: Might this single moment in time, this response--could it have been the moment God knew Moses had been the right man for the job?

Moses didn't consider himself deserving. Or worthy. Or entitled.

He wanted a godly leader for the people as they stepped foot into the land of promise.

What a lesson for us!