“But charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him: for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which thou shalt see.” Deuteronomy 3:28

Moses was giving one of his last addresses to the children of Israel. In this message, he reminds them of where God found them and how He delivered them from the land of Egypt. He teaches again about the law of God, and how God expected His people to walk holily before Him. He retells the stories of how God miraculously provided for their needs again and again.

In this passage, he recounts the story of how he disobeyed God when Israel was in need of water (Num. 20:2-13). God instructed him to speak to the rock, but Moses struck the rock twice. In recompense for his sin, God prohibited Moses from crossing the Jordan River into the Promised Land. When Moses asked the Lord if perhaps he could enter the Promised Land, God flatly denied his request. Moses had disqualified himself for this sphere of service. Because of his own actions, he limited the extent to which he could serve God.

However, God did give Moses one further opportunity to serve Him. Although Moses could not enter into Canaan, God told him to “charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him…” Even though Moses could not go into the land himself, he could influence and encourage someone who would be going into the land. Moses would make a difference even though he could not cross over Jordan.

In the lives of many Christians, there are things that hold them back from being able to serve God to the extent they desire. Perhaps a time of sin has disqualified them from certain aspects of Christian service. They may love God and fellowship with Him now, but because of past failures, they no longer can serve Him in certain areas. In some Christians, sickness keeps them from being able to do what they desire to do for God. In others, familial responsibilities hinder them.

What can a Christian do if, for whatever reason, he cannot “cross over Jordan” himself? One opportunity of service that such a Christian has is the teaching and encouraging of those who can go forward for God. Yes, we may not be able to do what we would like to do for God, but we can help someone else do that job! There are people like Joshua in every church who have the ability to do a great work for God that we cannot do. Let us take the opportunity to charge them, and encourage them and strengthen them for the work. God can use you to reach thousands for Him through a Joshua you assist.