A New Leader

Shepherds of God’s flock are not to lord it over the flock, but to prove to be examples. They are to lead by their example. This is graphically illustrated in the U. S. Army. The symbol of the infantry (footsoldiers who do most of the front-line fighting) is a soldier with a rifle in one hand, helmet cocked, and head looking back behind him. The rifle is pointing forward, the other arm is giving a “Come on ahead” motion, and the leader is shouting back, “Follow me!” This symbol illustrates leadership-by-example, as this soldier calls his men to follow him into the heart of the battle.763

As we continue our “Changes” series tonight, we will look at scripture and see what it looks like biblically when leadership is changing. If you would join me in Deuteronomy 31 and we will look at the first eight verses.

Deuteronomy 31:1–8 NLT

When Moses had finished giving these instructions to all the people of Israel, he said, “I am now 120 years old, and I am no longer able to lead you. The Lord has told me, ‘You will not cross the Jordan River.’ But the Lord your God himself will cross over ahead of you. He will destroy the nations living there, and you will take possession of their land. Joshua will lead you across the river, just as the Lord promised. “The Lord will destroy the nations living in the land, just as he destroyed Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites. The Lord will hand over to you the people who live there, and you must deal with them as I have commanded you. So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Then Moses called for Joshua, and as all Israel watched, he said to him, “Be strong and courageous! For you will lead these people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors he would give them. You are the one who will divide it among them as their grants of land. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

(Prayer)

The End of an Era (Deuteronomy 31:1-4):

Moses leadership is coming to an end. Why?

Moses is going to die (Deuteronomy 31:14)

The Lord stated that Moses would not cross into the Promise Land (Deuteronomy 20:1-13)

The Lord is already ahead of the people.

(Personal Example: The Lord is already ahead of the Student Ministry)

Moses Encouragement to the People (Deuteronomy 31:4-6):

The people are nervous and afraid.

Moses reminds the people what the Lord is going to do and that He is going ahead of them.

(Personal Example: Do not be afraid of this change. The Lord is a head of you and will continue to do great things within this ministry.)

Moses Encouragement to Joshua (Deuteronomy 31:7-8):

Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines on the Old Testament Chapters 31–34

“God changes His workers but continues His work.”

The Lord chose Joshua (Numbers 27:12-23)

Moses encourages Joshua that the Lord has chosen him and he will be leading the people.

Again, the Lord will be with Joshua and ahead of him.

Conclusion:

Call Quincy and Lydia up. Take time to encourage and pray over them. Allow him to speak briefly.

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