I love this man Moses. He is right beside the Promised Land, but not able to actually enter it because of his act of disobedience. He had failed to honor God before the people, instead reacting in anger and frustration. Forty years in the wilderness with that bunch of murmurers and complainers would more than likely make any of us angry enough to whack a rock!
But even though Moses will not be allowed to lead the people into the Promised Land, his heart is still burdened with them. Despite all the times they complained and rebelled, Moses still loved them. He interceded for them constantly in the wilderness and he does it here, on the border of the Promised Land, one more time.
Numbers 27:15-17: “Moses said to the LORD, ‘May the LORD, the God of the spirits of all mankind, appoint a man over this community 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.’” [NIV]
I’m not sure my heart is as big as Moses’. I’m pretty sure I’d be thinking, “well, just go it alone without me and see how well you do!” Instead, Moses asks God to appoint a new leader, one to take his place and lead God’s people. He asked God for another Shepherd … knowing how helpless sheep are without one.
God gave His people a new shepherd to lead them into the Promised Land … his name was Joshua (Jehovah Saves). And one day, in the fullness of times, God will give His people an eternal Shepherd to lead them into His Presence forever … His name is Jesus (Greek), Joshua/Yeshua (Jehovah Saves).
Thank you Father for our Shepherd, Jesus the Christ.
