Not Done

"Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 'Command the sons of Israel and say to them,'" -Numbers 28.1-2a

Joshua has been commissioned as the next leader, but he hasn't taken over yet. He has been given some of Moses' authority, and the transition is underway, but Moses is still involved. God is still speaking to him and giving him instructions for the people. Just because a new leader has been appointed, it doesn't mean that the old leader is done.

Again, I think about the situation that took place a few years back at church. Most of the time a pastor who follows a long term pastor at a church usually isn't there too long. There are exceptions, but they are rare. With church, the founding pastor was handing over leadership to a younger man who would be able help the church continue to grow. They didn't find the right candidate and then hand it over the following Sunday. Instead they underwent nearly two years of transition, with the founding pastor gradually handing over authority and responsibilities. And two years in, it seems to have worked very well.

Too often men hand over leadership and then head to retirement, or simply the next assignment. It's as if the old organization is now on their own and the new guy has to come up with structure and vision immediately. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. What if instead, there was always a leadership transition like this? What if it was a gradual thing that allowed the new guy to learn from the experienced leader, and allowed the old leader to not simply drop it and move on?

Men, where do you find yourself? Are you in to process of moving into a leadership role? What about moving out of one? Are you moving to something bigger? Are you wrapping up and preparing for retirement? Just know that wherever you are, you aren't done. If you are blessed to be able to transition like this, take advantage of it, learn from it. If not, then draw closer to God and let Him guide you during your transition as you learn. If you are headed out of a role or into retirement, know that you are not done. God will still use you if you let Him.

Moses wasn't done being used by God. His time was short, but he was still breathing. God was using him as Joshua was being prepared. As long as you are still breathing, you are not done.

May we always be willing to be used by God. May we never be done.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor