Scripture

The Lord replied, “Take Joshua son of Nun, who has the Spirit in him, and lay your hands on him. Present him to Eleazar the priest before the whole community, and publicly commission him to lead the people. Transfer some of your authority to him so the whole community of Israel will obey him.” Numbers 27:18-20

Observation
Joshua already had it, or rather Him, in himself to lead the people. The Holy Spirit was at work in his life. Being a carrier of the Spirit of God in the Old Testament was not an everday thing. He came only on a select few to lead the people. Otherwise, the mass of the people groped about for someone to lead them out of their stubborn lethargy.

Before there is ever a human ceremony, there is first the hand of God coming to rest on his person to do the job. Our words and even prayers can do little until God has first touched. We need to have eyes to detect where God is at work touching leaders and raising them up. The Lord will not always extend to us the courtesy of explaining what his future steps entail. Instead, he places his hand on his man; that anointing on a leader is a foreshadowing that the Lord has fresh plans in mind.

When we see the hand of God, then human hands and words can make a difference. Without public commissioning, Joshua would have been either frustrated or a menace. But with every eye watching, his commissioning service released his gift in a life-giving way to the people. The God-anointed yet self-appointed leader is dangerous; but when we bless the person God has touched there is life.

Prayer
Father, in just three weeks I will be installed as the pastor of Evergreen Community Church. I offer myself to you for preparation, that I will be a leader open to all that you have to give for the benefit of these people. I have had experience and experiences. Let those inform me but never limit me. This is a new thing in a new way. I choose today to follow. Amen.