2008.02.27. Leadership in Christ. Num 27.16-20

Num 27:16 "Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation
Num 27:17 who shall go out before them and come in before them, who shall lead them out and bring them in, that the congregation of the LORD may not be as sheep that have no shepherd."
Num 27:18 So the LORD said to Moses, "Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him.
Num 27:19 Make him stand before Eleazar the priest and all the congregation, and you shall commission him in their sight.
Num 27:20 You shall invest him with some of your authority, that all the congregation of the people of Israel may obey.
Moses has just been reminded of his past sin and instead of just being like watev, let them deal with it. Instead Moses asks God to provide a leader for them.

It's not clear what process that Moses went through, because at this point it is probably only going to be Joshua or Caleb. And maybe even Moses has his idea of who he thinks should take over his position, but yet he still inquires of the Lord. The Lord makes it clear that it is to be Joshua. And instructs Moses to lay his hands on Joshua and invest his authority, so that all the congregation of the people of Israel may obey.

This transfer of leadership is an important process, not just to God but for the nation of Israel. For they need a leader a shepherd they can follow to live according to God's laws and receive His blessings.

This transfer of leadership was bestowed upon Jesus for He is the ultimate shepherd. All authority has been given unto Him, so that we may obey and live under the blessings of God.

But it is also true that Jesus has given us all authority to act on His behalf. We have all been appointed by Christ to lead. We all have the ability to lead others to the promises of God and to be blessed through life in His son Jesus Christ.

Father, help me to fully realize the authority you have bestowed upon me and help me to show others their leadership role in Christ upon coming into relationship with Him. Amen.

2008.02.27 Man's evil, God flips for His good! Num 22-24

Num 24:10 And Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he struck his hands together. And Balak said to Balaam, "I called you to curse my enemies, and behold, you have blessed them these three times.

God used Balak's intention for evil for blessing! No matter how great Balak's intention was and how much he tried. God used the opportunity for His continued blessing upon His blessed people. Balak just did not get it. I love Balaam's discourse that nothing can influence me on this earth, it is only God that I must fulfill and obey.

We don't know much about Balaam, but He follows the Lord. Balaam knows where his gift comes from. He can only do what God tells him to do.

This makes me think of the oppression that we feel that is so oppressive over the Eugene area. Like it is this power that is too oppressive and we cannot shake it. I believe that's bull. Like God cannot navigate His way through it. God is all powerfull and even if someone has evil intentions, God can flip it for His good. We are His people and He can protect us and even more than that He can flip the enemies curses in this town and bless us even greater. We don't have to live under oppression it can have no hold over us. God's power is greater. He is our God, all powerfull. No kingdom can stand against Him. He is all in all and we are His people. We are not meant to live in fear but under His perfect love that cast out every fear.

God I ask that I would live under this truth and not under the lies and deception that Eugene is Godless. This is not true and this is not real. Father we trust you for every truth and every prompting for they are all from you. Let my actions be that of Balaam that I would only be able to do what you command. Nothing more nothing less. Amen.