Today’s Reading: Num. 27:15-23;32;33:50-56, Deuteronomy 4:41-43

Today, Moses asks God for his successor, “so the Lord’s people will not be like sheep without a shepherd”. Moses is in the process of succession plan; why? The Israelites are ready to move into their promised land and Moses already knew that he would not go into the promised land with them because God already told him so. So he cannot go in, but he cares his people so that he asks in advance for his successor so that he can train and prepare. I find it interesting that Moses did not argue with God’s decision or plea for forgiveness so that he can go into the promised land with the Israelites. If God is willing to forgive Aaron or Miriam, surely God would consider forgiving Moses. But, Moses does not argue or even ask God to reconsider. He is willing to submit to God and only asks God to look after his people who grumbled against Moses endlessly in the past. I think this is one of the biggest reasons that I admire Moses for his leadership – to put his people before his own needs and to submit to the will of God without arguments for his own sake.

I also find interesting that both Moses and God think of the cities or towns of refugee for those who kill men to flee. I am not sure if this will be one of planning I would think of when you build a new community. I understand the planning, division of lands, etc., but I find it interesting that there were two specific provisions for the place of refuge for criminals. God does not miss anything, does he?

In reading today’s passage, I wonder if I am holding onto something I should not; I wonder if I have to find a successor and train him/her to work with me, which I have been avoiding for awhile. How about you? Are you holding onto something you need to let go? Are you training someone as a part of your succession for the sake of your organization?

Happy Valentine’s day to all!