S: Deuteronomy 34:9NIV- Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites listened to him and did what the Lord had commanded Moses.
O: Now at the end of his life, Moses gives final instructions to the Israelites before they cross over into the promise land. He is not able to go into the land because of his previous disobedience, but God allows him to see the land from the mountain top he takes his last breath on. Before he dies, he blesses the twelve tribes of Israel, and lays his hands upon his successor Joshua, to anoint him with the wisdom to lead Gods people.
A: I love Moses because he understood a key leadership principle in discipleship. Leadership is less about what you are able to do, and more about who you are bringing along on the journey with you to lead when you are gone. Moses recognizes that Joshua is next in line, and instead of keeping the wisdom and knowledge to lead to himself, the Bible says that he lays hands on Joshua, and he is filled with the spirit of wisdom. Discipleship or mentorship is a "Hands On" process, and leaders must be willing to build the people around them. People may not remember what you say to them, but they will always remember what you do with them. It's when we are willing to get our hands dirty with the people we desire to lead, that they in turn, learn to become leaders that understand the importance of building with the people around them. Moses laying hands on Joshua may have been a symbolic and spiritual gesture, but it encourages me to be hands on with the people I desire to invest in. The leaders that have impacted my life the most were always willing to put their hands into my life and shape me into the person they thought I could be. The question today is, "Who are you shaping?" The people you shape, determine the future you are destined to live.
P: God thank You for another opportunity to help shape the people around me. Help me to remember to be hands on with the future. I believe the people you allow me to shape, will determine the future Im destined to live. Amen.
