Be an Encourager!

During 2014, I read and taught through a lot of the Pentateuch, but reading it this time round, I noticed a couple verses that hadn't particularly stuck out to me before.

In Deuternomy 1 Moses is speaking to the Israelites, recounting their journey thus far and reminding them of the consequences for not entering the Promised Land when God commanded them to.

Verse 38 says "Joshua the son of Nun, who stands before you, he shall enter. Encourage him, for he shall cause Israel to inherit it." The Israelites have been appointed a new leader. A courageous, godly man. One who's lived with them and "trained" with Moses since the beginning. But because Moses is going to die, Joshua is being given the huge task of conquering the Promised Land and taking charge of a group of rebellious people. "But charge Joshua, and encourage and strengthen him, for he shall go over at the head of this people, and he shall put them in possession of the land that you shall see." (Deuteronomy 3:28)

Encourage him, and strengthen him. Those were the two commands given to the Hebrews. Leadership is lonely and wearying a lot of the time, and God knew that Joshua would need the support of people behind him. They carry the weight of the responsibility of leadership every single moment. They become a living example to those they lead, and they are not only accountable for themself, but also (in part) for the people they lead. And for the leaders who take their position seriously, it's a weighty task--one that no other can bear for them, except by prayer, encouragement, and support. And sometimes that's the only thing that keeps leaders going. God commanded the people to encourage Joshua through this overwhelming task.

So let's remember to share the burdens of our leaders, as best we can. Especially those who are fellow brothers and sisters in the Lord. Keep them in prayer, offer encouragement, and give them support. Be an encourager. :)