The time had come for Moses to be “gathered to his people as his brother Aaron was gathered (Numbers 27:13).” Moses, knowing that the people could not go on without the one who would lead, prayed to God: “Appoint a man over the congregation… who shall lead them out and bring them in; that the congregation of the Lord shall not be as sheep who have no shepherd (Numbers 27:16-17).” God heard the prayer of Moses and appointed Joshua, “A man in whom is the spirit (Numbers 27:18).”

Throughout the centuries God has appointed shepherds for his people. Some were determined dynamic leaders like Joshua. Others were fiery prophets like Elijah. Some were gentle spirits like John. Like Joshua, all were ordained to lead God’s people into the promised land of tomorrow.

The question before the church tod…