Joshua 1:2 tells us that upon Moses death Joshua was to take the reigns of leadership and lead the people of Israel into the promised land. This scripture is often used in sermons as a bridge to the next generation. Preachers will say that the “Joshua Generation” is here. The talk usually references youthfulness, strength, and the conquest that lies ahead for those following behind that leader. There is no doubt that this scripture preaches. In light of that, I ask the question, “Must Moses die?”
The scriptures are clear that Moses was unable to cross into the Promised Land due to his disobedience to God’s instruction (Numbers 20:11, 12). I am not questioning God’s sovereignty, judgment, or wisdom; I am asking if those that lead the flocks of God must die in order for the Joshua Generation to arise and serve? This is a question of all those that find themselves in a position of leadership in ministry. Sadly, many are holding people at bay as they teach, preach, plan, and serve.
I can recall being assigned to be a part of a singles class as a member of the teaching staff. At first I was excited and honored that I was given an opportunity to use my God given gift and have an impact upon my brothers and sisters in Christ. With all of my vigor, passion, and excitement I sat in that class for six months. And for six months (save one Sunday) I sat, and sat, and sat. The one opportunity I was provided to lead the class the head of the group broke into my facilitation of the class with a ten minute long monologue (which was grossly off subject). As you might imagine I was furious.
Here I was a trained teacher, a licensed minister, and a passionate participant. I was riding the pine. I was on the bench. I was taking up space. Sitting in singles would not have been so bad, but I was a married man (about five years in). I took my frustrations to the lead teacher (Moses) and received an earful of promises, half-hearted apologies, and down right denials. Unconvinced of the possibility of change I left that class.
Years would pass and I would try to make my way into the men’s ministry (Happen to be one), counseling ministry (I’m a licensed therapist), and newsletter ministry (8 years of college and grad school provided extensive writing experience). Each time I was turned away with empty promises. Please allow me to be clear. I wasn’t looking to go from unknown member to Joshua. I was offering to stuff envelopes, take classes, and shadow the leaders. None of those seemed to work. I was locked out. Finally, I took my concerns to the head man.
I took my issues to Moses himself, the Senior Pastor. Unfortunately, I didn’t get much of a response there either. He affirmed my issues and then proceeded to argue that they are in fact a matter of perception. I should have expected as much. This was a man that often referred to a ten to fifteen year window of coming retirement for himself and a training period for his protégé. I had been at the church for nearly a decade and upon my departure he was still speaking of a 10-15 year window (and as far as anyone knows no replacement in sight). Must “Moses” die!?
There are many young men and women waiting for an opportunity to learn, grow, and take hold of the ministry God has called them to. As leaders we ought not stand in their way. We should be paving the way, showing the way, leading the way. During the time of Moses the Holy Spirit appears to have worked through only one individual at a time. It made sense that there would be one designated leader at a time. That is not the case today. The new dispensation of the Spirit is one in which he takes residences in all believers. The New Testament is clear that ministry is a shared responsibility of the body of Christ. With that in mind, “Moses doesn’t have to die.”
The scriptures are clear that Moses was unable to cross into the Promised Land due to his disobedience to God’s instruction (Numbers 20:11, 12). I am not questioning God’s sovereignty, judgment, or wisdom; I am asking if those that lead the flocks of God must die in order for the Joshua Generation to arise and serve? This is a question of all those that find themselves in a position of leadership in ministry. Sadly, many are holding people at bay as they teach, preach, plan, and serve.
I can recall being assigned to be a part of a singles class as a member of the teaching staff. At first I was excited and honored that I was given an opportunity to use my God given gift and have an impact upon my brothers and sisters in Christ. With all of my vigor, passion, and excitement I sat in that class for six months. And for six months (save one Sunday) I sat, and sat, and sat. The one opportunity I was provided to lead the class the head of the group broke into my facilitation of the class with a ten minute long monologue (which was grossly off subject). As you might imagine I was furious.
Here I was a trained teacher, a licensed minister, and a passionate participant. I was riding the pine. I was on the bench. I was taking up space. Sitting in singles would not have been so bad, but I was a married man (about five years in). I took my frustrations to the lead teacher (Moses) and received an earful of promises, half-hearted apologies, and down right denials. Unconvinced of the possibility of change I left that class.
Years would pass and I would try to make my way into the men’s ministry (Happen to be one), counseling ministry (I’m a licensed therapist), and newsletter ministry (8 years of college and grad school provided extensive writing experience). Each time I was turned away with empty promises. Please allow me to be clear. I wasn’t looking to go from unknown member to Joshua. I was offering to stuff envelopes, take classes, and shadow the leaders. None of those seemed to work. I was locked out. Finally, I took my concerns to the head man.
I took my issues to Moses himself, the Senior Pastor. Unfortunately, I didn’t get much of a response there either. He affirmed my issues and then proceeded to argue that they are in fact a matter of perception. I should have expected as much. This was a man that often referred to a ten to fifteen year window of coming retirement for himself and a training period for his protégé. I had been at the church for nearly a decade and upon my departure he was still speaking of a 10-15 year window (and as far as anyone knows no replacement in sight). Must “Moses” die!?
There are many young men and women waiting for an opportunity to learn, grow, and take hold of the ministry God has called them to. As leaders we ought not stand in their way. We should be paving the way, showing the way, leading the way. During the time of Moses the Holy Spirit appears to have worked through only one individual at a time. It made sense that there would be one designated leader at a time. That is not the case today. The new dispensation of the Spirit is one in which he takes residences in all believers. The New Testament is clear that ministry is a shared responsibility of the body of Christ. With that in mind, “Moses doesn’t have to die.”
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