In 2022 we celebrated the 70 years’ reign of Queen Elizabeth II. It was an extraordinary life, and most of us probably still think we’ll never see another monarch like her: who combined length of life with a quiet moral authority which set her above most of her peers. I first wrote this reflection at a time when the newspapers were increasingly reporting signs of her declining health, and collectively we carried a sense that we were not going to be blessed by her presence much longer. Among the many ways we experienced that time, it gave us, I think, a small insight into what it must have been like for God’s people, as Moses’ own time drew to a close. I imagine many of God’s people would have felt in their hearts, as we did: ‘They don’t make ‘em like that anymore.’
In today’s passage, Moses also knows his own time is drawing to a close; so he finally – and formally – hands over the reins to his long-time deputy Joshua. As we’ve seen, this relationship began over 40 years ago, when Joshua was a young man. Now he is in late middle age – or older still – and at long last his time has come. His commissioning is both public – in front of the entire assembly of God’s people (v22) – and spiritual: Moses is instructed to lay his hand of blessing upon Joshua, who the Lord testifies already has ‘the spirit of leadership’ (v18).
It is interesting that even the Lord recognises Moses’ uniqueness: Joshua receives ‘some of Moses’ authority’ (v20): not all, it appears. But that is to be expected – Moses is a one-off. Joshua will never command the same authority; but then again, he doesn’t need to. God will equip him for the tasks He is calling him to do, which is all Joshua needs.
And that’s the point: it is wisely observed that God doesn’t call those He equips, but equips those He calls. God will give Joshua enough grace for whatever he is called to. And that is true for us, too. God will equip you for whatever He calls you to. He doesn’t ask you to be perfect, just faithful and obedient. And even if you feel you’ve been preparing a long time for this, take heart from the example of Joshua!
Perhaps you are feeling God nudging you towards something. Let today be an encouragement to you. If the Lord is calling you, He will also commission you: i.e. equip you for the task. And if that’s not where you find yourself today, perhaps take a moment to pray for all, like King Charles, who serve a Joshua-like apprenticeship: that the Lord would commission and equip them for the task they will be called to undertake.