I have just finished reading the book of Joshua and verse 31 states: "Israel served the LORD throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him and who had experienced everything the LORD had done for Israel." NIV
That is a very profound verse when starting the next book of scripture: Judges. Israel over the next years had glimpses of the glory scattered through times of apostasy. Why?
Moses was called of God to speak for and lead Israel from Egypt to the promised land. Aaron and Miriam had their assignments as well on the journey. Moses, as he grew as a leader, realized that the next generation needed someone to take his place. He needed to find someone the Lord would use to fulfill the roll that he faithfully filled. That person was Joshua son of Nun. He was the next generation, the leader who learned everything from Moses that he could in order to be a Godly leader for the people of Israel. Joshua lead well, as did the elders who survived him.
But what of the next generation? Who did Joshua and the elders mentor? Who did they pour their lives into and teach to lead in a Godly way so the precepts of the LORD would not be forgotten when they were gone? Where was the open transition of power to the next God called leader? These are important questions for me as I read through Joshua and Judges. I need to understand that in order for the church to grow, leaders need to be developed and released into ministry. My senior pastor is not just my senior, but he is my friend and mentor. Everything that he has learned over the last thirty years of ministry, he is teaching me and helping me develop as a pastor. Why? because for him, I am the next generation. His wisdom is critical and valuable for my success.
I, even now am looking to those in my youth group who have been called into ministry so that I can give what I have learned so far as they start their journey. If we are not willing to impart the knowledge that God has given us to those who will come after us, how will the Church look in the future? My feeling is that somewhere along the way Joshua and the Elders as good as they were at leading never raised up the next generation. As a result, Israel lost her identity. They followed whatever gods were being served up around them. Lets not make that mistake. Let's be looking to raise up the next generation of Godly leaders who will boldly take the name of Jesus before nations and kings.
Hi Mike, just read your blog and I was encouraged by your reference to Pastor Rowland, well done! Also very important to learn from the mistakes of the Israelites in not raising up a generation who had been led/mentored in the ways of the Lord, that is, taught how to know Him who is immeasurable, see him who is invisable and move from the ritual to relationship. If we do the transition and training in righteousness well, we have succeeded. I think first and foremost, the cause of the failure was not in those who were being led but in the leaders. I am sure there were others who had the heart that maybe Joshua & Caleb had but were never nurtured and developed. We all need Eli eyes and ears! He helped Samuel to recognise the Voive.
ReplyDeleteRegards and blessings. John