Growing Multigenerational Faithಮಾದರಿ

One of my favorite memories is from my senior year on the Track and Field team as a captain. Part of my role as captain was helping lead practices and prepare for meets. Track and Field offers many individual events, but my favorites were always the relays. In a relay, four runners each carry a baton for part of the race, passing it to their teammates to pursue a shared goal. Each runner must lead their portion well, prepare for the handoff, and trust the next runner to carry it forward.

This dynamic makes me think of Numbers 27:18–23. Moses, after leading Israel out of Egypt, learns his time of leadership is ending. God tells him to appoint Joshua as his successor: Take Joshua and lay your hands on him… Give him some of your authority so the whole community of Israel will obey him (v. 18-20). Moses understood that leadership is bigger than one person. Part of leading well is preparing others, encouraging them, and trusting them to carry the mission forward.

As in a relay, God calls us not only to run our leg of the race but also to pass the baton. When we mentor and equip others, His work continues beyond us.

Dustin and Coral H. - Board, Student Ministry Leader

Questions to Consider

1. Who is the “Joshua” in your life? Someone you could encourage, mentor, or pray over.
2. How can you prepare to give up your “Moses role” when God prompts you?
3. Where is God calling you into your “Joshua role?”

Actions to Take

1. If you have a “Joshua”, pray that God works through you in a way that your “Joshua” recognizes his/her own “Joshua” when the time comes.
2. Have the becoming-and-multiplying-leaders conversation with those you lead/serve. Empower them with God’s authority to do so.

Prayer to Make

Lord, thank You for the opportunities You give us to lead and serve. Help us to run our race faithfully and to prepare others to carry Your mission forward. Give us wisdom to recognize those You are raising up and the courage to release the baton when it’s time. May Your purposes continue through the generations. Amen.