Leadership Changes

Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 31

Scripture Focus: The Lord your God himself will go over before you. (Deuteronomy 31.3a)

Devotional Thought: In America, every four years we have an election to determine who will be the leader of our nation. At the most, we have a leader for 8 years. Leadership changes. I just met with the nominating committee of our church last night. We nominated new leaders for the coming business year - to be elected by the congregation in several weeks. Leadership changes. In the story of God's people, the time approached for Moses to go to his eternal reward. Joshua was named as his successor. Leadership changes.

In the midst of changing leadership, there is a constant for the people of God. "The Lord your God himself will go over before you." Israel needed that assurance. That entire generation had known no other leader but Moses. Now, as they were ready to cross over into the Promised Land, they were about to lose that beloved (and beleaguered!) leader. Another man - Joshua - would lead them. The same giants that were in the land 38 years prior were still there. The same challenges. The same unknowns. But leadership changes. The good news? "The Lord your God himself will go over before you."

What reassuring words for the people of God! Whether in our nation, our churches, or our families, we know that with the passing of one era to another, there remains one constant - the Lord God himself! So, when you face the inevitable changes in leadership, remember the words of Jesus, "Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom" (Luke 12.32).

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for your unchanging leadership in my life. Others will come and go, but you remain constant forever. Help me to rest in your faithfulness. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 26.1-8

1 Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity, and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering. 2 Prove me, O Lord, and try me; test my heart and my mind. 3 For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in your faithfulness.

4 I do not sit with men of falsehood, nor do I consort with hypocrites. 5 I hate the assembly of evildoers, and I will not sit with the wicked.

6 I wash my hands in innocence and go around your altar, O Lord, 7 proclaiming thanksgiving aloud, and telling all your wondrous deeds.

8 O Lord, I love the habitation of your house and the place where your glory dwells.