Numbers 27:23 And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses.
Moses takes Joshua and in front of the entire congregation he will lay hands on him. In our church we lay hands on men when we pray for them and especially when we ordain them. I am often asked why and what the biblical basis is. Here is a good example for you to consider:
It was God that decided to use Joshua, not Moses and it should be that God chooses out the men our church would ordain to the ministry!
Numbers 27:18 And the LORD said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him;
Joshua was to be charged or commissioned. He was being recognized by the congregation as God’s man. You have been part of several services where we do just that!
Numbers 27:19 And set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight.
One of the reasons for this was that the people might realize what was happening. It would put some of the honor that Moses and the other spiritual leaders had on Joshua. God wanted them to recognize and follow His man.
Numbers 27:20 And thou shalt put some of thine honour upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient.
This entire worship, commissioning service was just as the Lord commanded. I love it that He allows us to take part in all the great work that He is doing!
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