“Transition of power” or “passing the baton” … which term is most in keeping with Christian values? That’s the question that ran through my mind this morning as I read Deuteronomy 31 and the Biblical account of Moses, in obedience to God, preparing Joshua for the incredible leadership task he was about to assume.
It seems to me the term “Transition of power” flies in the face of the example of Jesus, who spoke these words in response to a dispute His disciples were have about who among them was the “greatest”: “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you! Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves!” (Luke 22:24-27)
On the other hand, I think it is helpful for us to think of leadership as a relay race. I receive the baton from someone who preceded me and made a significant contribution to the overall success of the organization or enterprise I’m a part of. I received the “baton of leadership” from them. Now my task is to run the race – make my contribution – with energy and excellence! One of these days it will be my responsibility to “pass the baton” of leadership to someone else. And as in any successful relay race, “passing the baton” can be nearly as important as the race I’ve run myself! I’ve seen relays lost because of a poor or fumbled baton transfer!
Moses “passed the baton” well! He did it obediently at the direction of the Lord! He did it with grace and dignity – no hint of bitterness. He even suppressed the expression of his personal regrets in order to contribute to the success of the one who followed him. As I read the account today I was impressed! I found myself says, “Lord when I have to ‘pass the baton’ to someone else, help me to do it obediently and graciously, like Moses did to Joshua!”
Here’s the Biblical account that provoked my thinking…
“So Moses continued to speak these words to all Israel. And he said to them, ‘I am 120 years old today. I am no longer able to go out and come in. The Lord has said to me, ‘You shall not go over this Jordan.’ The Lord your God himself will go over before you… Joshua will go over at your head, as the Lord has spoken… Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread… for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.’
“Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, ‘Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land that the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall put them in possession of it. It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.’” (from Deuteronomy 31:1–8 ESV)
Coffee With The Lord 