Preparing a Joshua
By Real Life Church July 13, 2024
Real Life Church Family,
As we navigate the process of searching for the next Lead Pastor of RLC, this blog will be a place where you’ll find updates, announcements, and prayer requests from the Pastor Search Team. Please join in praying for the search team, the church, and the future Lead Pastor of RLC during this season of transition.
When I think about leadership transitions, I immediately go to the transition between Moses and Joshua. Moses was the only leader the Israelites knew. God used Moses to bring them out of slavery in Egypt. Moses was the conduit between God and humanity. He delivered the 10 commandments and the entire law to God's people. Moses did all this and so much more.
But there came a time when Moses had to step aside as their leader and pass the torch to someone else. Can you imagine how difficult this transition was going to be for the nation of Israel? The only leader they had ever known is now gone. How will they ever manage? But they didn't need to be concerned because God had a plan, and His name was Joshua.
In Joshua 1, we see two important truths that can be a source of comfort and encouragement for us in this time of transition. First, God has already identified and has been preparing our next Lead Pastor. Joshua 1:1-2 says,
1 After Moses the Lord’s servant died, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant: 2 “Moses my servant is dead. Get ready! Cross the Jordan River! Lead these people into the land which I am ready to hand over to them.
From before time began, God knew that a day would come when Moses would no longer be able to lead the Israelites. Long before the nation of Israel knew they would need it, God had been preparing Joshua to be their next leader.
Joshua the Slave:
Joshua was born into slavery in Egypt. It was there that he first saw the great signs and wonders that God performed. He witnessed the power and might of the one true God.
Joshua the Soldier:
In Exodus 17, we meet Joshua the mighty general who defeated the Amalekites.
Joshua the Servant:
Exodus 24:13 refers to Joshua as Moses’ servant or assistant. From this point on he stood with Moses, side by side, learning from him, leading with him, and drawing closer to God along the way.
Joshua the Spy:
On the border of the Promised Land, Moses sent 12 men to spy on the occupants. They spent 40 days looking at the land and returned to give Moses a report. 10 of the spies gave a negative report and said that Israel couldn’t defeat the inhabitants. Only 2, Caleb and Joshua, had the faith to trust God to fulfill His promise.
Joshua the Successor:
Now, after years of preparing him, it was time to call Joshua to lead God’s people. In Deuteronomy 3:23-29, Moses asked God to prepare a leader for when he died and God chose Joshua. “28 But commission Joshua, and encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead this people across and will cause them to inherit the land that you will see.”
Although leadership transitions can be difficult for us, we can find encouragement in knowing that God is still in control. He has a plan and has been actively preparing our next Lead Pastor for our church.
The second important truth from this chapter is that the mission moves forward. Joshua 1:3-5 says,
3 I am handing over to you every place you set foot, as I promised Moses. 4 Your territory will extend from the wilderness in the south to Lebanon in the north. It will extend all the way to the great River Euphrates in the east (including all of Syria) and all the way to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. 5 No one will be able to resist you all the days of your life.
God's mission doesn't change when a leader transitions. He intended for his people to inhabit the promised land. That didn't change when Moses died. God used Joshua to continue where Moses left off.
God has a plan for RLC! He will continue to work His plan while also preparing our next Lead Pastor to join in and lead us into the next chapter in the life of our church.
Perhaps, the most encouraging word in this passage is found in verse 9. God tells Joshua, "be strong and brave! Don’t be afraid and don’t panic, for I, the Lord your God, am with you in all you do." We can face an unknown future with confidence because we know that God is always with us. He will never leave us or forsake us. He will be our guide and our strength through every transition.
Thank you for your continued prayers,
Pastor Search Team
If you have any questions or comments, please send an email to pastorsearch@getreallife.org