Bible Study - Mentoring (2) - Moses and Joshua - Numbers 27:12-23 - June 11, 2023

 

Bible Study – Mentoring (2) – Moses and Joshua – June 11, 2023

This is our second Bible study on mentoring entitled “Moses and Joshua.”

Our focus scripture is Numbers 27:12-23.

Mentor and disciple those who come after you.

Are we as Christians mentoring someone? We are whether we acknowledge it or it – friends, associates, children, grandchildren, great Grands, neighbors, clerks in the stores where we shop, doctors’ office, dentist office and the list goes on. The question is our witness positive for JESUS where ever we go? FATHER, help all who call YOU FATHER be cognizant of the fact that we witness where ever we go. May our witness always be pleasing to YOU.

LAST WEEK’s study focused upon Moses’ relationship with his father-in-law, Jethro. Jethro, the priest of Midian worshipped and represented many false gods. After the victory of the GOD Moses represented, Jethro was converted into believing the ONE TRUE GOD of the Israelites, I AM or YAHWEH.

This week we study the relationship of Moses and Joshua. They had a long relationship which Joshua followed after Moses since his youth. As Moses’ assistant, Joshua had the experience of being in close proximity to the Lord. After Moses would finish meeting with God, Joshua would remain in the tent.

Joshua was among the 12 spies Moses sent out into the land of Canaan. Only Joshua and Caleb came back with a positive report admonishing the people to have faith in God. They were threatened with stoning because of their testimony. The other ten spies were killed by plague and everyone over the age of 20 except Joshua and Caleb would wander the desert until the last one died.

 

Joshua was a warrior for God. He was first mentioned in the Bible when Moses called upon him to lead the Israelites in a battle against the Amalekites. In this amazing struggle he was victorious as long as Moses’ hands were lifted. His incredible faith was also revealed in the extraordinary miracle of the sun holding still so that he could finish the battle. Under Joshua’s leadership the mighty fortress of Jericho was reduced to rubble. After his conquests for the Lord, the entire nation of Israel was at rest from their enemies.

 

Joshua was faithful to both Moses and to GOD. So, when it came time for someone to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, Joshua was GOD’S choice.

 

Moses had disobeyed GOD and GOD would not allow him to enter the Promised Land but GOD was gracious and allowed Moses to climb a mountain and see the land of promise. GOD is gracious and kind.

 

We also know that Moses stood with GOD, Elijah and JESUS on the mount of Transfiguration just before JESUS would be heading in a few days to be crucified. Had all been accomplished as written in the Law and spoken by the prophets? GOD approved and JESUS was headed for the cross to willingly give HIS sinless life for all who will place their faith in HIM to receive eternal life, through faith in JESUS.

 

Everything had to be complete because GOD’S redemptive plan had to be complete with no flaws. There was no time in history for a “do over.”

 

If you have not experienced Spiritual birth, I ask you to do so now. Ask JESUS to forgive you for your sins and for JESUS to come into your heart, believing that JESUS took all of your sin upon Himself at the cross. In doing so, that action makes you free to live for HIM as HIS Spirit-born SON or Daughter through the miracle of Spiritual birth.

 

Let’s read Numbers 27:12-17:

Joshua Commissioned to Succeed

Moses

¹² Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go up this mountain of the Aba rim range^[a] and see the land that I have given the Israelites. ¹³ After you have seen it, you will also be gathered to your people, as Aaron your brother was. ¹⁴ When the community quarreled in the Wilderness of Zin, both of you rebelled against my command to demonstrate my holiness in their sight at the waters.” Those were the Waters of Meribah-kadesh^[b] in the Wilderness of Zin.

¹⁵ So Moses appealed to the Lord, ¹⁶ “May the Lord, the God who gives breath to all,^[c] appoint a man over the community ¹⁷ who will go out before them and come back in before them, and who will bring them out and bring them in, so that the Lord’s community won’t be like sheep without a shepherd.”

Moses requested GOD to appoint the leader for HIS Chosen people, who knows HIM and not afraid to go before HIM. Moses met with GOD face to face. We must have GODLY leaders

Let’s read Numbers 27:18-20:

¹⁸ The Lord replied to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man who has the Spirit in him, and lay your hands on him. ¹⁹ Have him stand before the priest Eleazar and the whole community, and commission him in their sight. ²⁰ Confer some of your authority on him so that the entire Israelite community will obey him. 

Joshua had the Holy Spirit in him. When anyone is chosen to do the LORD’S work, he or she MUST have the Holy Spirit in him or her. This is true of the Pastor, Deacons, Bible teachers and leaders in our churches and our government today. We all must be Spirit led or else, we fail. To whom do we rely upon, the person with a good personality and a feelgood message or the person who speaks truth? Often, truth hurts.

Let’s read Numbers 27:21-23:

²¹ He will stand before the priest Eleazar who will consult the Lord for him with the decision of the Urim. He and all the Israelites with him, even the entire community, will go out and come back in at his command.”

The chosen person will be accountable before GOD’S chosen leaders and to GOD. Joshua was to stand before the priest Eleazar. Eleazar will consult the LORD for Joshua with the decision of the Urim. This seems to be GOD’S way to confirm Joshua. Urim and Thummim are terms that have been translated as “lights” and “perfections,” “revelation” and “truth,” or “cursed” or “faultless.” They were a means of divine revelation entrusted to the high priest in ancient Israel, who consulted them on public or national emergencies. They were stored in the breast piece of the high priest and may have consisted of a material object or objects.

²² Moses did as the Lord commanded him. He took Joshua, had him stand before the priest Eleazar and the entire community, ²³ laid his hands on him, and commissioned him, as the Lord had spoken through Moses.

So, in the long run, whose opinion mattered? GOD’S opinion! We are to pray and seek the person GOD chooses to be our earthly leader in our religious institutions, churches, businesses, and in every aspect of our lives.

When alarms go off in our hearts, we should pay attention because the enemy is likely at work. Do you think that Satan is trying to muddy the water for our upcoming Presidential election?

It is vital that we all pray and seek the will of GOD.

Be wise my fellow brothers and sisters. Be Wise!

Pray! Pray! Pray!

Blessings!!!