Success Is Helping Others Succeed (Deuteronomy 3)

Deuteronomy 3:28 But charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him: for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which thou shalt see.

Moses found it very difficult to not be allowed by God to go into the land. Most of his time leading Israel was dedicated to guiding them as they wandered in the wilderness. Just at the end of this journey, Moses began to see God’s greatness and mighty hand (Deut 3:23) as Israel began to defeat various kings and nations. But that is as far as he was allowed to go.

The cause of his limitations is due to his failure in striking the rock. God’s decision may seem quite harsh to Moses and to us, but it is not ours to criticize. Instead, Moses had to trust that Lord knew best and focus on preparing the next man to lead the charge. He was to instruct Joshua, to encourage him, and to strengthen him. Joshua would be the man that would go over before the people and would cause them to inherit the land. And Moses’ job was to get him ready.

It can be hard at times to see ourselves in a preparatory role. It can be hard to be the one who gets others ready and stands in the shadows (see Deut 3:23-25). But that is the key to the ministry. We must build others up, encourage them, and strengthen them so they can go win many battles for God. And even though Moses was not there when they entered the land, it would never have happened had he not allowed God to use him to prepare the people and prepare the man to lead the people.