We recently considered Moses’ prayer in Numbers 27:15-17 for a leader to shepherd Israel after he himself had died. We noted then, 

The best leaders understand their best legacy is displayed in the success of their successors. If everything falls apart after The Leader leaves, The Leader was not The Leader he or she should have been. If everything rises and falls on The Leader, failure is inevitable.

We saw the commissioning of Joshua in Numbers 27:1-23. Moses “laid his hands on him, and commissioned him, as the LORD had spoken through Moses,” (verse 23). 

Here in Deuteronomy 3:28, God tells Moses to do three things for Joshua:

1. Commission him
2. Encourage him
3. Strengthen him

The commissioning was a formal transfer of authority. It was an event for everyone to see and to know that Joshua was now the leader of the mob who was becoming a nation. 

As you read the rest of Deuteronomy, Moses’ famous last words, see if you can count how many times Moses says, “Be strong and courageous.” Why does he repeat this particular command so often? To encourage and strengthen Joshua. Just in case Joshua wavered after the death of Moses, God repeats these same words in Joshua 1. The culmination comes in verse 10:

Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.

There are a couple of additional succession planning dance steps we see in God’s directive to Moses (and to us):

Today is probably not the day you are stepping aside for your successor. You still have work to do, hills to climb, victories to win, and lessons to learn. Keep these words of wisdom near your heart so that when the day comes, you not only know what to do but how to do it. Then, do it.