Numbers 27:15-21 New International Version (NIV)
15 Moses said to the Lord, 16 “May the Lord, the God who gives breath to all living things, appoint someone over this community 17 to go out and come in before them, one who will lead them out and bring them in, so the Lord’s people will not be like sheep without a shepherd.”
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.”
Moses did not want to leave his work without making sure a new leader was ready to replace him. This is what he did. First, he asked God to help him find someone. Next, Joshua was chosen. Then, Moses worked to ease the transition into his new position. Finally, Moses made it clear to the people that Joshua had the authority and the ability to lead them. This display of confidence affirmed Joshua in his new role as leader. If you ever have the opportunity to instate someone to take over your position, to help a new leader, or to life someone up into a life role follow these steps: pray, select, develop, and commission.
