Moses My Servant Is Dead [2]

by J. Miller | Category: Voices From The Past - Extracted From Jottings | Feb 1982

Moses was granted a sight of the goodly land which lay before Joshua, his one time minister, and now the new commander. Across the Jordan lies the promised land, a land of blessing truly, but one of dangers too. There grow the vine and pomegranate; there dwell the giants, the sons of Anak, as well. The wilderness had its dangers, but so also has the land. The promise of divine assistance is assured: "As I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee" (Joshua 1:5). In consequence of divine help Joshua was encouraged to be strong and not to fear. Success for him depended on his strict adherence to the law of Moses, and he must speak according thereto and must meditate therein day and night. Who can rule well who knows not the law? Who can lead aright who is not himself divinely guided? Here are vital considerations for those who would take over the responsibilities of those whom 'God has removed or will remove.

Many years ran their course and many had taken over responsibilities which other men had carried. Now Paul the aged lies a prisoner of Rome and his end is near. He writes to Timothy,

I am already being offered (poured as a drink offering), and the time of my departure is come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith (Timothy 4:6, 7).

He had no regrets regarding wasted opportunities, squandered time, or worse still, damage wrought to the testimony or to God's saints by wilful, wanton action on his part. He had pursued and finished the course to the end and left on record a life of self-denying labour such as, perchance, has never had an equal since. Now Timothy must carry on midst scenes of departure and declension. But whatever the day, there must be no lowering of the flag, no retiring from the line of battle. "Preach the word" is the command of the aged leader. "Be thou sober", "suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil thy ministry".

We live in a time of "take-over" too. Men have been removed from our head and we are beginning to look the enemy in the face without former leaders between. Hearkening to the words of encouragement and exhortation may we in that beauteous humility be seen, and be in the spirit of Solomon when he said, "I am but a little child", "Give me now wisdom and knowledge".

J. Miller | Feb 1982
Voices From The Past - Extracted From Jottings