As the Israelites were now very near to the Promised Land, God instructed Moses about the end of his life. Moses would see the beautiful land God gave to Israel. Moses and Aaron had not trusted in God at the waters of Meribah Kadesh (20:1-13) and as a result, they were not allowed to enter the Promised Land. God expects leaders to honor God as holy before the eyes of his people.

Moses' task was now done. But the story of the Israelites would go on. There was still much to do! Moses prayed to God: "Appoint someone over this community...so the LORD's people will not be like sheep without a shepherd." Moses' prayer reminds us of Jesus' prayer for his disciples and the generations that would follow (John 17).

God heard Moses' prayer and had already prepared Joshua to succeed him. Before Moses died, Joshua was commissioned with some of Moses' authority to lead the community. Moses and Joshua served in their generations, as God appointed them. Ultimately, God is our shepherd. Every generation is cared for and led by our Good Shepherd Jesus.


Application: Father, thank you for shepherding every generation by your grace and power. Please help us care and pray for the next generation. Appoint shepherds so that the next generation may not be like sheep without a shepherd.
One Word: Jesus is our Good Shepherd.