Numbers 27:18-23

18 So the Lord said to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit of leadership, and lay your hand on him. 19 Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and the entire assembly and commission him in their presence. 20 Give him some of your authority so the whole Israelite community will obey him. 21 He is to stand before Eleazar the priest, who will obtain decisions for him by inquiring of the Urim before the Lord . At his command he and the entire community of the Israelites will go out, and at his command they will come in.”

22 Moses did as the Lord commanded him. He took Joshua and had him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole assembly. 23 Then he laid his hands on him and commissioned him, as the Lord instructed through Moses.

Reflection:

This is a major step in the rising of Joshua’s leadership of Israel. There is a clear imparting of the authority, and the narrative urges the reader to understand that the authority is not necessarily due to ability or popularity, but primarily a delegated authority that comes from God, thus the laying on of hands by Moses and the presence of the assembly. This encourages us to know that it is truly about the calling and the Caller.

Response:

Let’s remember that it’s all about the calling and the Caller.  As we make ourselves available, prepared and transparent before the Lord, it is the Caller who will do what He says.  He is our source. Let’s thank the Lord for His calling and His faithfulness to do as He calls.