Succession Planning Begins with an AAR - Exodus 17-20

Succession Planning Begins with an AAR

Exodus 17:14-16 (ESV)

14 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Write this as a memorial in a book and recite it in the ears of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.” 15 And Moses built an altar and called the name of it, The LORD Is My Banner, 16 saying, “A hand upon the throne of the LORD! The LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.”

In Exodus 17 we are still at the beginning of Moses’ leadership.  Since he returned to Egypt to lead the people out of captivity, Moses has had his brother Aaron at his side and Joshua.   We are not told why Joshua.  Joshua has simply just been blended into Moses team.   In chapter 17 we are told about the war Israel had with the Amalek.   This was a nation that constantly sought war with Israel.  They were a thorn in Israel’s side for generations.  In this story Israel, once again, defeats the Amalekites.   This is were the above verses give us some insight about God’s plan of succession for Moses.   While Moses was on the mountain, Joshua actually lead the army in battle.   Moses prayed in over-watch and God allowed Joshua to lead the fight.   At the end of the battle and Israel’s victory, we see God wanting this battle written down and I rehearsed in the ears of Joshua.   This is the first steps in any succession planning.  Note Moses (and God’s) approach:

1. The plan is laid out for Joshua to lead under Moses’s watchful eyes and prayer. Allowing others to lead is the first sign of good leadership.   

2. There is an AAR (After Action Review) of the battle’s victory recorded.   They wrote down what happened.  This is a good way to see what happened. Putting it in print allows us to go back and study the battle.  The military, today, makes a habit of doing AAR work.  Good leaders do so, as well. 

3. The battle is “recited” in the ears of Joshua.   God wants Joshua to both remember and rehearse the battle.  Remember, Joshua will be the leader who leads the nation into the promise land.  This “reciting” of the battle is not just for celebration purposes.  It is to teach Joshua the key elements of leadership and victory in God’s care. 

We would do well to practice such leadership.  It is NEVER to early to put others in charge, watch and pray over them from a distance, and recite and conduct an AAR of the battle after they have completed it and won the victory.  God, throughout Scripture, demonstrates the need for succession.