“THE CHANGING OF THE GUARD”
(Joshua 22:1-24:30; Judges 2:6-10; Joshua 24:31-33)
“After these things, Joshua son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died at the age of a hundred and ten.“ – Joshua 24:29
“Through the years of diligence and praise
and the discomfort of the elements,
I will walk my tour in humble reverence
to the best of my ability.” – The Sentinel’s Creed
The Changing of the Guard is a solemn ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery’s “Tomb of the Unknown” soldier that marks the handing off of duties from one guard to the next. What are they guarding? The remains of an unknown soldier who sacrificed his or her life in service of this country. But the ceremony is much more than that. It also is a solemn reflection on the cost of war and freedom.
In today’s text, Israel was also experiencing a changing of the guard. Joshua had skillfully led Israel into the promised land after the death of Moses. Under his leadership, the nation had successfully conquered the land. In the days leading up to his death, Joshua had helped resolve a dispute with the two-and-a-half eastern tribes who would possess land east of the Jordan over a memorial altar they had built that was mistaken for an idol. Joshua had given the people a charge to decide whom they would serve, and they had chosen to serve the Lord rather than to return to the idols of the past.
All of us will experience a “changing of the guard,” that is, the loss of a significant source of influence and stability in our lives. It will be quite unsettling, but will also be a great opportunity. And when it happens, we’ll have to answer Joshua’s call to serve the Lord too.
Application:
The influence of good leadership cannot be understated. Churches, businesses, and even families need good leadership to thrive in their purpose and navigate the challenges of life successfully.
Reflections:
Think about some leaders – spiritual and secular – you’ve had in your own life. How did they influence your life?
Closing Prayer:
Dear Lord, as I navigate the inevitable changes that life brings, I know that these transitions can be challenging and sometimes even overwhelming. In the face of uncertainty and the unknown, I ask for Your guidance and strength. Help me to choose to love and serve You in every circumstance, whether it be joy or sorrow, abundance or scarcity, health or sickness. Grant me the wisdom to discern Your will in every situation and the courage to follow Your path, even when it is difficult. May my heart remain open to Your love and my spirit steadfast in Your service. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
About our Author
Chris Rainey is a learning technologies manager, bi-vocational Christian minister, writer/poet, corporate trainer, and curriculum developer. Chris is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God and is a graduate of the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary with an M.Div in Christian Education and a BA in Bible from Evangel University. He is originally from Southern Illinois, but has now lived in Northern New Jersey for over 30 years. He enjoys reading, hiking, biking, swimming, watching Survivor, and the New York Mets. He resides with Marcia, his wife of over 40 years, and has three daughters and a grandson.
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