Invitation and Transition

As I began my devotional time tonight, I listened to the song "Holy Spirit," by Jesus Culture. Lyrics that stand out to me from that song include:

"Holy Spirit, You are welcome here! Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere. Your glory, God, is what our hearts long for; to be overcome by Your presence Lord!"

"Let us become more aware of Your presence. Let us experience the glory of Your goodness."

I also listened to "We Wait For You (Shekinah Glory)" tonight.

"Here we are standing in Your presence. Here we are standing in Your presence. Shekinah glory come down. Shekinah glory come down."

"Release the fullness of Your Spirit! Shekinah Glory come. Shekinah Glory come."

Scripture tonight came from Numbers 27:15-18.

Moses requested that God appoint a leader for the Israelites. Reading just before that passage I found that it was just after God told Moses that he was about to be gathered to his people.

The change in leadership from Moses to Joshua occurred as Moses was about to die. That is just one situation that would call for a change in leadership. Moses recognized that and took necessary steps to ensure that a successor was properly chosen. In that case, God entrusted the task to Joshua.

Good leaders must recognize when change is needed and plan appropriately. That change may not always be positional, though. It may simply be a change in organizational operation. Nevertheless, for the change to have a positive outcome, careful preparation must take place.

An example of that can be taken from my recent graduation. I needed to prepare another member to take over my role so that there was a smooth transition when I left. Having a mentor/mentee relationship can help make sure a smooth transition occurs.

John C. Maxwell, in "The Maxwell Leadership Bible," comments more on the transition from Moses to Joshua. He mentions three specific ways that Moses passed on his legacy. "Moses empowered Joshua and gave him authority." (See Numbers 27:20.) "Moses gave Joshua experience and opportunities for application." (See Numbers 27:21-22.) "Moses gave Joshua encouragement and affirmation." (See Numbers 27:23.) Each of these areas can be applied to other leadership transitions.
Whatever decision needs to be made, Godly, Spirit-driven leaders must remember that God is the ultimate leader. His counsel should be sought before anyone else. Moses practiced that as he asked God to appoint a new leader for Israel.

Whether the need is leadership advice, confirmation of a decision, or literally any other situation, we should go to God first and seek His counsel. "Come near to God and He will come near to you." James 4:8a (NIV)