Lesson 26 – When the Spirit Selects

Numbers 27:18-19

And the Lord said to Moses, "Take Joshua the son of Nun with you, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him; set him before Eleazar the priest and before all the congregation, and inaugurate him in their sight."

    Moses was rightly worried. 40 years in the desert had passed and Israel now stood on the banks of the Jordan River, ready to cross into the promised land. Now, God was reminding Moses he would not be allowed to go in due to stealing God's glory when giving water to the people to drink. But Moses wasn't angry with God's judgment, and he wasn't miffed that he wouldn't get to live in the new homeland. No his mind was on the nation. What would Israel do for a leader? Who would be their new shepherd?

    Never fear, Moses, God surely had a plan. The Lord had already selected one to lead his people, a man of proven faith, and one in whom was found the Spirit's touch. God had selected Joshua to replace Moses as the leader of Israel. You remember Joshua. He was one of only two who trusted God to help them subdue the land when they spied it out decades before. Joshua was the one who daily followed Moses to the tent as he met God in his glory. Joshua was the one who had already proven to be a leader of the armies when others threatened their existence. Joshua was God's man, selected by the Spirit and ready to lead this nation.

    Know this. It has always been God's way to select the right leaders for his people. He never leave his church without a shepherd, beginning first with the Great Shepherd, Jesus Christ, and even until today as he selects those who lead local congregations. Of course, some leaders God has selected may never agree to serve, and others will bow out in favor of worldly pursuits, but that doesn't mean God hasn't made his selection.

    While some may argue over whether leaders are made or if they are born to lead, as I see it here, leaders are those selected by God as shepherds by a touch of the Spirit. Every church pastor is t be called twice--Once by the Spirit unto ministry, and again by an outcry of the congregation as they seek to know the one to be given to them by God. That man for Israel was Joshua.

    Any time God touches a man or woman by the Spirit, it is a picture of God's grace, with none deserving God's eternal presence and power in life. The same goes for every man called by God as a shepherd for the church. Our calling is not of our own righteousness, but simply according to the selection of the Holy Spirit upon us.

    In your life, God may even now be selecting you through the Spirit for some work of service or leadership within the Kingdom. If so, by God's grace upon you, the Spirit will empower you and equip you for his calling.

LORD JESUS

May I always remember to look inward to the Spirit that has selected me for ministry, knowing that it is your presence that allows me to rightly shepherd your people. Amen.