Bearing Others' Burdens

Moses was appointed to carry the load of spiritual responsibility for God’s chosen people. It was a heavy burden, and one for which he needed the help of God and of other men, but he sinned as the Israelites did and was denied the privilege of going into the Promised Land. One who is given the task of leadership must be prepared to be identified with those he leads, even to suffer punishment with them. Moses pled with God for permission to cross over and see the rich land promised to them, “but because of you,” he said to Israel, “the Lord brushed me aside and would not listen.” He answered, “Say no more about this…. Give Joshua his commission, encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead this people across” (Deut. 3:27-28). Moses was a truly meek man---not by any means weak, but strong in God’s strength. He was not offended. He accepted the verdict, and obeyed. It took a real man to commission, encourage, and strengthen another to do the job he had so longed to bring to completion.