What Did Jesus Say about Lust?

God Forbids Moses to Cross the Jordan – Life Lesson from Deuteronomy

God forbids Moses to cross the Jordan
God forbids Moses to cross the Jordan

In present day, changes in leadership must take place in order for a company, or a church to grow in a healthy manner. Although God forbids Moses to cross the Jordan River, he gives his leadership role over to Joshua.

Then, Joshua will bring Israel home.

Why did God forbid Moses to cross the Jordan?

You’ll see in the Bible study lesson below but the why is not as important as who will lead the people.

Deuteronomy 3:1-29 – A Change of Leadership

This study from Deuteronomy 3:1 introduces two elements ..

  1. Moses does not get to cross over the Jordan River because of disobedience to God in the past.
  2. And, Joshua becomes the new leader of Israel.

We will learn lessons in obedience, faith and leadership from Deuteronomy today.

Wandering to the Promised Land – God Forbids Moses to Cross the Jordan

“I also pleaded with the Lord at that time, saying, ‘O Lord God, You have begun to show Your servant Your greatness and Your strong hand; for what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do such works and mighty acts as Yours?

Let me, I pray, cross over and see the fair land that is beyond the Jordan, that good hill country and Lebanon.’

But the Lord was angry with me on your account, and would not listen to me; and the Lord said to me, ‘Enough! Speak to Me no more of this matter.

Go up to the top of Pisgah and lift up your eyes to the west and north and south and east, and see it with your eyes, for you shall not cross over this Jordan.

But charge Joshua and encourage him and strengthen him, for he shall go across at the head of this people, and he will give them as an inheritance the land which you will see.’

So we remained in the valley opposite Beth-peor. – Deuteronomy 3:23-29 NASB

God Gives Control to Joshua – Moses Will Not Cross Over the Jordan River

First, let’s clarify a bit about why Moses could not cross the Jordan with his people?

After all, he led the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt, didn’t he?

With that said, there were times when Moses disobeyed the Lord. And, he did not always have faith when commanded to act.

Numbers 20:12 is where God gave His decree:

“But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, ‘Because you have not believed Me, to treat Me as holy in the sight of the sons of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.’”

Joshua Becomes the Leader of Israel

God forbids Moses to cross the Jordan
God forbids Moses to cross the Jordan

God instructed Moses to hand over his leadership role to Joshua to carry Israel across the Jordan – and into the promised land.

In business, this happens frequently in corporate companies who have been around for a long time. The senior leaders bring along younger ones to take over at some point in time.

Churches also need to relinquish roles. Why? Because, they must make way for the next generation if they are to stay healthy and grow. It’s just plain common sense.

“Train Them Up”

Current leaders should find those within their realm who posses the qualities of leadership. Then, these leaders can train them over a period of time.

And, as God charged Moses with Joshua, encourage them when the time comes to assume a position in the church (company).

Question: Are we bringing others along who can take over when needed? Who in your church has abilities which could make them your next church leader?

Yes, it’s time to find out – and take action!

Love in Christ

– Bob

Discover how to accept Christ’s’ gift to you, please take a moment to read John 3:16.