Deuteronomy 34

Bring others along

_{Now Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him; so the children of Israel heeded him, and did as the Lord had commanded Moses. ~ Deuteronomy 34:9}

In today’s scripture reading there is a powerful picture of Moses’ journey coming to an end, but the mission was not. What he carried did not stop with him, and that mission was transferred to the next generation to continue. Joshua stepped into leadership already filled, already prepared, already strengthened. Why? Because Moses had poured out his life and wisdom into him.

As children of God, we are not just called to live out our own purpose, we are called to invest and accelerate the next generation so that what God has started continues far beyond us. It is important to understand that what you pour into others today becomes strength for their tomorrow.

Here are three truths to help you step into your calling to bring others along:

1. What you carry is meant to be shared

Moses did not keep everything God gave him to himself. He imparted wisdom, leadership, and faith into Joshua.

Look for opportunities to share what God has taught you, even in simple ways. If you are leading a team, use that influence to share your life experiences with someone, or even having a conversation with a younger believer, do not hold back what God has shown you.

Because you have walked through difficult times in life and learned how to trust God in them, you can share those story with someone who is struggling today. Your experience will be the encouragement they need to keep going. Let them know what you did right and what you did wrong.  That way they can walk through their struggle with a deeper faith and reliance on God’s love and care for them.

2. Preparation happens before promotion

Joshua was ready when the moment came for him to lead because of what had already been deposited into him.

Do not wait for someone to step into a role before you begin investing in them. Start now. Encourage, teach, and give responsibility in small ways so they can be ready when opportunities come.

If you serve in ministry, invite someone to come alongside you and learn. Let them take on a small responsibility and walk with them through it. What seems small today is preparing them for something greater tomorrow.

3. Your obedience impacts more than just you

Moses’ faithfulness affected an entire generation. What he poured into Joshua influenced the future of God’s people.

Recognize that your choices, your faith, and following God’s plan are not isolated. They are shaping the people around you, especially those who are watching you closely.

If you choose to stay consistent in your faith, even when life is busy or difficult, those around you will see it. Your children, friends, and those you are leading will draw strength from your consistency without you even realizing it.

For me, I intentionally pour into those around me through leading teams and small groups at my church. Even though I am surrounded with various talents and ages, I still take every opportunity to pour out all I know about walking by faith in this life.

It does not always look big or significant in the moment. Sometimes it is a simple conversation before or after a meeting. Sometimes it is encouraging someone who is unsure of themselves or reminding them of what God has already placed inside of them. Other times it is creating space for someone to step up and try something new, even if they are not fully confident yet.

Pouring into others is not about having all the answers, but about being willing to share what the Holy Spirit has shown me and trusting Him to do the rest. There are moments when I feel stretched, when I wonder if I have said the right thing or done enough, but I realize that obedience in those moments matters more than perfection.

What has meant the most to me is watching others grow over time. Seeing someone begin to recognize their gifts, step into leadership, and grow in their confidence in their faith and trust in their heavenly Father is something I never get tired of seeing. It reminds me that what I pour out does not return empty. It takes root. It grows. It multiplies.

Just like Moses with Joshua, it is not about holding on to what God has given me, but about releasing it so someone else can carry it forward. That is where the true impact is found, not just in what I do, but mostly in who I help to carry on the mission on after I am gone.

Today I want to encourage you to recognize that your life is not just about where you have been or where you are going, but who you are bringing with you. The wisdom, faith, and truth God has given you are meant to be poured out so that others can be strengthened and prepared. You may not always see the outcome right away, but God is using your faithfulness to build something that will last beyond you.

Today’s scripture reading: Deuteronomy 34

1 Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which is across from Jericho. And the Lord showed him all the land of Gilead as far as Dan, 

2 all Naphtali and the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the Western Sea, 

3 the South, and the plain of the Valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees, as far as Zoar. 

4 Then the Lord said to him, “This is the land of which I swore to give Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ I have caused you to see it with your eyes, but you shall not cross over there.”

5 So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord. 

6 And He buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, opposite Beth Peor; but no one knows his grave to this day. 

7 Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died. His eyes were not dim nor his natural vigor diminished. 

8 And the children of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days. So the days of weeping and mourning for Moses ended.

9 Now Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him; so the children of Israel heeded him, and did as the Lord had commanded Moses.

10 But since then there has not arisen in Israel a prophet like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, 

11 in all the signs and wonders which the Lord sent him to do in the land of Egypt, before Pharaoh, before all his servants, and in all his land, 

12 and by all that mighty power and all the great terror which Moses performed in the sight of all Israel.

Journal:

• Who is one person God has placed in my life that I can intentionally invest in
• What has God taught me that I need to begin sharing with others
• How can I create opportunities for someone to grow and step into more responsibility
• Where have I underestimated the impact of my influence
• What is one simple step I can take this week to pour into the next generation