Transitions and Empowerment

Transition and Reminder
Numbers 26-30
“Now in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall also have a holy convocation; you shall do no laborious work.  It will be a day for blowing trumpets.”

As the Book of Numbers ends, 40 years have passed since the people first stood on the brink of the promised land.  Instead of embracing the promise of God to give them possession of the land, they allowed fear to undermine their faith.  Consequently, they would spend 40 years wandering in the physical and spiritual wasteland. As they again stand on the edge of the promised land, God commands them to count the people.  After 40 years, the population of Israel remained static (603,555 to 601,730), thus serving to illustrate that the wilderness was not only a time of spiritual stagnation but a time when the physical growth of the nation became stagnant.  It also reminded the people that if they were to take possession of the land, it would be because of God’s faithfulness in giving them victory, not because they now have a larger army.  The enemy is the same, and the strength of Israel’s military is the same.  What was needed was a change in their focus.  They needed to rely upon God and His promises.

Not only is there a new generation, but Israel also has a new leader.  Because of Moses’ sin, he would not lead the people into the promised land.  The mantel of leadership would pass to Joshua.  In 27:15-27, we find the description of the transition. Transitions, whether in the leadership of a church or personal changes, are always difficult and unsettling.  The greater the transition, the greater the stress and uncertainty we experience.  As the new generation prepared to enter the promised land, it was a time of uncertainty in which their faith would be tested.  They now faced the same fear that caused the former generation to doubt God.

Furthermore, their one stalwart of stability, Moses, would not be leading them.  Instead, Josua would be taking over the helm of leadership.  As they face the uncertainty of a new leader and the challenges of the conquest, God reminds the people that He is the one who is still in control, and just as He empowered Moses, so He would empower Joshua.  As God appointed Joshua to succeed Moses, He made it clear that Joshua had the same empowerment as Moses.  

This is the same lesson we need to learn.  Sometimes, in our journey of faith, we encounter overwhelming situations.  In those times, we fall prey to the same mindset that we need a change in the circumstances and our resources.  But in the end, the only thing we need is a change of perspective of God.  When fear grips the heart, the problem is not our lack of ability and power but a lack of faith in God, who promises to give us victory. In times of transition, we have the assurance that although circumstances change, we still have the same God who empowers us. We go through times of wilderness experiences.  We face the uncertainty of change in our own lives when the problems and challenges before us seem overwhelming.  However, like Israel, we need to remember that our strength and security do not come from our circumstances but our God, who empowers us.  If you are going through times of adversity, reflect on God's power and wisdom.  Remember that He is present and will give you the strength you need to fulfill His purpose.