Monday, August 14 – Joshua 1:1-2
Now it came about after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, that the Lord spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ servant, saying, “Moses My servant is dead; so now arise, cross this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them, to the sons of Israel.”
We use the phrase “passing the baton” to refer to a transition of leadership. This idea refers to a relay race where a baton passed from one teammate to the next to complete the race as a group. The most important achievements are rarely one-person jobs. They require many people and a variety of gifts to be completed. Passing the baton between leaders can be bittersweet because it means one person’s job is done and now another will take it up. In ministry, it can be difficult for someone to take on a new role and trust that God will equip them along the way.
The reality is, much of life and ministry is about taking a baton from another or passing one on to your successor. We all find ourselves in different places in this journey. Some of us need to take a step of faith by looking for where God may have us lead and serve. Others need to look for someone to pass our legacy on to. Both require an act of surrender, asking God what He wants to do through us. This moment for Joshua was only the beginning, the first step in the process of what God was doing and where He was leading the Israelites. Joshua could remember and hold onto this moment when the transition seemed rocky and the task seemed too difficult. Transitions always come with challenges. We have different gifts, manners of speaking, perspectives, and personalities, but as we transition from one generation to the next, we can depend on God who always goes with us.
- What are some ways you serve your church? Who “trained” you for that role or position?
- What is one area you could share your skill with someone else, seeking to raise up the next generation?
- Pray and thank God for those who have poured into you as you have served in your church.
