Moses and Joshua
And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him. So the people of Israel obeyed him and did as the Lord had commanded Moses. Deuteronomy 34:9
The devotions for August will be focused on examples of raising up future servants from the Scriptures as we emphasize Tomorrow’s Teachers and Preachers in Missouri District.
Most church workers can look back upon the influence of another servant that contributed to them preparing for service in the church. Perhaps it was a Lutheran school teacher or a pastor from childhood. God surrounds His people with a great cloud of witnesses from the present (and even the past), who become faithful models of the life of service to Christ. This is nothing new. The Scriptures are full of such examples, where God uses one to raise up another for the sake of His Kingdom.
Joshua is described as having served as Moses’ assistant “from his youth.” That meant that Joshua had already seen the joys and burdens of serving God and His people. Walking alongside of Moses also meant that he had seen his mentor’s gifts, but also his failings. Yet, Joshua also knew the faithful promise of God, “Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you.”
God still raises up the next generation of church workers through the example and encouragement of others. Veteran servants need not be hesitant because of the challenges that will face those who will follow in their train, but rather assure them of the promises of God’s grace and His abiding presence. Those who are entering service into service in the church may see the 22nd Century, if the Lord wills. We cannot begin to know what the future holds, but we know the One who holds the future, Jesus Christ. May we bold in our prayers for the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into the fields! May we also be bold in encouraging young people to consider lives of service in the church and to trust in the Lord’s promises.
Prayer – O Holy Spirit, who gives to Your Church on earth pastors, teachers and other servants, we pray young people to consider service as church workers. Enter their hearts that they may see the glory of serving the ever-living God. Help them to see the things that are unseen and to desire nothing more than the wisdom which comes down from above that they may truly be prepared to lead future generations in the knowledge of the truth that makes us free. Make us willing to support the high cost of preparation for the sake of the high cost of our redemption, fully paid by Jesus Christ our only substitute, in Whose name we pray. Amen.
Fraternally in Christ,
President Lee Hagan