We all have legacies that are passed down to the next generation, some good, some not good. We are continually impacting those around us. When Moses was about to die, God instructed him to pass the legacy to his young aide Joshua.
“Go up to the top of Pisgah and look west and north and south and east. Look at the land with your own eyes, since you are not going to cross this Jordan. But commission Joshua, and encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead this people across and will cause them to inherit the land that you will see” (Deut. 3:27,28).
Moses had faithfully followed the Lord and led Israel for forty years. He had seen the younger generation rise up to defeat their enemies, but now it was time to pass the mantle to the next generation. God tells him exactly how to do it:
Commission him – Send him out with your blessing. Let him and others know that he is being given authority and blessing
Encourage him – Release courage to him. Tell him what you see in him that makes you believe he is chosen for a purpose.
Strengthen him – Empower him. Remind him of the strength and victory that comes only from God.
Whether we are young or old, we all have legacies, those who are following us. We impact them. May God’s words to Moses help us do this better.
Tod McDowell