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by Clarissa Ochoa –
In Numbers 27:15-18 (NIV) we read: “Moses said to the LORD, ‘May the LORD, the God of the spirits of all mankind, appoint a man over this community to go out and come in before them, one who will lead them out and bring them in, so the LORD’s people will not be like sheep without a shepherd.’ So the LORD said to Moses, ‘Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay your hand on him.’”
Appointed by God to deliver his people from slavery, Moses understood early on that someone else would lead them into the Promised Land. He recognized the need to “commission Joshua, and encourage and strengthen him, for Joshua will lead this people across and will cause them to inherit the land.”
As a result, Moses took Joshua everywhere, exposed him to the deeper truths, introduced him to intimacy with God, empowered growth, and supported him through difficult situations. When Moses visited with God on Mount Sinai, the only other person permitted on the mountain was Joshua.
He brought Joshua to the Tent of Meeting, where Moses and God spoke “face to face.” After deputizing Joshua to lead a militia against a band of desert raiders, Moses provided spiritual cover from a nearby hilltop. As long as his hands remained upraised, Joshua prevailed. When he tired and dropped his arms, Joshua lost ground.
When it came time to view the Promised Land, Moses sent Joshua and just 11 others. When Joshua overstepped his bounds, Moses provided correction. After investing in Joshua for 40 years, Moses could confidently expect him to fulfill his destiny and lead the people out of the wilderness that Moses himself could not escape.
When I think of mentors, I think of Moses and Joshua. If it were not for Moses’ impact on him, Joshua would not have heard the Lord say, “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you.”
Even though Joshua was a great commander with his own skills, he still needed Moses’ guidance and support. Moses told the people that Joshua had the authority and the ability to lead the nation; he believed in Joshua.
The relationship that Moses had with Joshua represents our relationship with you. Like Joshua, we have our skills and gifts, but we need the support of parents and spiritual mentors as Moses mentored Joshua. This is what we found in you, and your legacy inspires us to continue the legacy.
The promises that God made to Moses and Joshua are also fulfilled in our lives. God takes his time to train his people. Joshua was in training for 40 years under Moses. But, lucky for our mentors, it’s only been two years. So prepare yourselves for 38 years—or even more!
Family members, friends, CFOT staff and Salvation Army officers—You are not as well known as Moses. Your accomplishments have not made you national heroes. But we praise God for placing you in our lives. You have imprinted in our lives what true prayer warriors should be. Your prayers and support became a permanent part of our success here at Crestmont. Your God-given ability to make the truths of God’s Word become realities in our lives have has provided the foundation upon which we stand today as future officers.
On behalf of the Prayer Warriors Session, I extend our gratitude to all mentors and also to all our friends and family who have led us through our journey toward becoming servants of God. By saying this, it doesn’t mean your job ends here. We are still going to need your prayers and support behind the scenes, as Moses did when he prayed for Joshua. Then you will see your prayers answered through our ministries.