Finding Christ in the Old Testament

Finding Christ in the Old Testament
Numbers 27:12–23

As Moses nears the end of his earthly pilgrimage, the LORD brings him to Mount Abarim to behold the land of promise he will not enter. Yet Moses, faithful shepherd of Israel, makes no protest for himself; instead, he pleads that the people not be left “as sheep that have no shepherd.” The LORD responds by appointing Joshua—one in whom is the Spirit—to lead Israel into Canaan. This transition prefigures Christ, the greater Joshua (Yeshua), who leads God’s people not into an earthly land, but into the eternal inheritance. Where Moses represents the Law that cannot save, Joshua prefigures Christ, who by the Spirit brings God’s people into rest. Moses lays his hands on Joshua, passing authority with public affirmation, just as the Father declares His Son the chosen One in whom the Spirit dwells. Thus, in this scene, we see the Law giving way to grace, the servant giving way to the Savior, and the old covenant preparing for the new.

Devotion
The Law leads us to Christ, but it is Christ who brings us into the promise. In Him, the Shepherd, the Spirit-filled Leader, we are not left wandering but are led home.

New Testament Verse
John 10:11 (ESV)
"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."

Collect
O Lord of hosts, who raised up Joshua to lead Your people after Moses, grant us always the guidance of Christ, our true Shepherd, who by His Spirit leads us through the wilderness of this world into the heavenly promised land; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever, unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Hymn Verse
The Lord’s my Shepherd, I’ll not want;
He makes me down to lie
In pastures green; He leadeth me
The quiet waters by.
— LSB 710:1, The Lord’s My Shepherd, I’ll Not Want

Glory be to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, One God, Now and Forever, Unto the Ages of Ages, AMEN!