So we come to the second half of Numbers 27. We have two interesting events here. First Moses is forbidden from entering into the promise land. Here we see how God views sin. Moses may have done a lot for God in his life and was rewarded by being able to see that promised land that the Israelites would enter into. However, back in Numbers 20 Moses was told to tell the rock to yield water and instead struck the rock, he was told he would not enter in. Moses was the leader of the Israelites and therefore was to set an example to them, and so sin by him was even more serious.

Those of us who seek to do a work for God, to encourage our fellow believer, and perhaps one day take on the overseeing of God's assembly, we need to bear in mind that we are to be an example to the flock and that sin by us is even more serious than it normally is. Just because we have been forgiven our sin, and Christ has paid the price for it, does not mean that there are not consequences down here on earth, and let us remember Hebrews 12v6: For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,and chastises every son whom he receives." I.e. the Lord disciplines and chastises us, so that we might not sin, and as a warning to others.

So with Moses warned to his departure, he brings a very valid concern to God, with him gone, who would shepherd the flock, who would look after them and care for them. God already had his man ready to take on the work, Joshua. Joshua was one of only two spies who went and viewed the land, and came back with a good report (Numbers 14v6). Also in Numbers 11v28 we see that he had been "the assistant of Moses from his youth". Joshua wasn't suddenly plucked from the crowd to take over Moses work. No, he had already been assisting in the work. In years to come if the Lord be not come, the older generation who are involved in the work, will have gone home to glory. Who will be doing the work then?

My brother and sister as you read this article, let me challenge you, what are you doing for God now? Are you preparing for what the Lord has planned for you? How, I hear you say, I don't even know what it is God would have me to do. Well a child when he is young and starts to kick a ball around, doesn't know if he will be a goalkeeper, defender, midfielder or striker yet, but he is already learning about the game, how to kick a ball, perhaps how to win the ball back. Likewise as young Christians we need to be studying God's Word, we need to be praying, and let the Lord guide us to do His Will, perhaps taking part as appropriate in the meetings of the assembly, finding our feet. That in years to come, when we do know what God's Will is, we will then have experience and knowledge to draw on.

Please send any comments you have on this article to a.wood@assemblyyouth.net

Dare to be a Daniel The new leader	Next month: daily offerings.	Thought for the month loving our enemies
	Wilderness Years
	Last month: daughters of Zelophehad.

All quotes are from the English Standard version of the Bible unless otherwise specified.