[Sunday Sermon] The Spirit of Leadership
“15 Moses said to the Lord, 16 “May the Lord, the God who gives breath to all living things, appoint someone over this community 17 to go out and come in before them, one who will lead them out and bring them in, so the Lord’s people will not be like sheep without a shepherd.” 18 So the Lord said to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit of leadership, and lay your hand on him. 19 Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and the entire assembly and commission him in their presence. 20 Give him some of your authority so the whole Israelite community will obey him. 21 He is to stand before Eleazar the priest, who will obtain decisions for him by inquiring of the Urim before the Lord. At his command he and the entire community of the Israelites will go out, and at his command they will come in.” 22 Moses did as the Lord commanded him. He took Joshua and had him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole assembly. 23 Then he laid his hands on him and commissioned him, as the Lord instructed through Moses.”
Moses knew he would not enter the Promised Land. Still, his focus was not on his own legacy, but on ensuring the mission of God continued. “Mission before me” was the mindset that defined his leadership. Despite all he had accomplished, Moses humbled himself and sought God’s guidance for the next leader—someone who would shepherd the people with wisdom and faithfulness.
God appointed Joshua to succeed Moses—not because of his military skill or public popularity, but because of his heart. Joshua was a man who desired God’s presence, who lingered at the tent of meeting when others stayed at a distance. Like David, he had a heart of worship and closeness with God. In our churches today, we often elevate charisma or performance, but God looks at the heart. And we are blessed to welcome a new pastor, Pastor Koo, whose heart for worship is evident.
The story of Robert Jermain Thomas, a Welsh missionary to Korea, reminds us of the “mission before me” mindset that echoes Moses’ legacy. Though he lost his family and his life in pursuit of the Gospel, his sacrifice planted seeds that later contributed to the explosive growth of Christianity in Korea. God uses those who are willing to put His mission before personal comfort, recognition, or reward. In the same way, our church is called to be a people who live for the mission of God, knowing that the work belongs to Him and He makes it grow.
As we move forward with Pastor Koo’s leadership, we are reminded that this church does not belong to one person, one tradition, or even one generation—it belongs to God. And we, as a church family, must embrace our role as faithful participants in God’s work.
Prayer: Gracious God, we thank You for the faithful journey of this church and the leaders who have walked with us. We thank You especially for the years of service by Pastor Yu and for the new chapter ahead with Pastor Koo. Help us, Lord, to be a people marked by the heart of worship and the spirit of unity. Teach us to place Your mission before ourselves, to trust in Your provision, and to follow where You lead. Amen.
(Note: This summary was created based on an AI draft.)