These are exciting days of opportunity to reach people with the Gospel using the ever-changing technology that is becoming available literally to everyone.
The CEO knew that his time of leadership was coming to an end. He had been front and center of this large group of people for more than 40 years. The time had come to make a change at the top. The heir apparent had been in a subordinate role for some time and had risen to prominence in part due to an insightful attitude when trouble started brewing within the rank and file. A huge challenge had presented itself years earlier and there seemed to be no solution in sight. However, this industrious fellow stood side by side with the CEO and when given an opportunity to speak, outlined his observations and his firsthand experience to fashion a positive ‘war cry’ that they would prevail! His speech emphasized that the trouble being faced would be completely conquered and the crew would be victorious if everyone kept the faith and proceeded with the mandate of moving forward.
This transition account is recorded in Numbers 27:12. God directed Moses to install Joshua as his replacement to lead the large entourage of Israelites into the Promised Land. This area had been promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and their descendants centuries before. The book of Exodus recounts how the exiled nation had endured hardship and growth in Egypt. Then through the miraculous rescue by God, the children of Israel escaped to return that which was promised. After 40 years of enduring the wilderness due to disobedience, the time had come for Moses to “hand over the reins” to Joshua as directed by the Lord. Joshua was God’s choice.
There is an interesting charge God gave to Moses: “and you shall put some of your honor upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient.” (Numbers 27:20). Some translations use the word “authority” or even “majesty” in place of honor. According to James Strong, the Hebrew word can have the meaning of grandeur, excellence, and glory, as well as honor and authority. Was the Lord asking Moses to share some of the “glow” Moses had acquired when he met with God on the mountain top (Exodus 34:33-35 and 2 Corinthians 3:12-18)? Probably not, as it seems the Lord wanted Moses to endorse and maybe even certify his successor, that the children of Israel would know they should obey Joshua as much (or more) as they did Moses.
There is still so much to do for the Lord, and by His grace this is not the end—but another beginning.
We know that Joshua was not Moses, nor was Moses Joshua, but each had the same calling from the Lord to lead. Moses heard from God through a perpetually burning bush in Exodus 3, but Joshua’s establishment as heir apparent was no doubt set when he and Caleb were the only two spies who saw the promised land in a completely different light than the other 10 who had been sent ahead to assess the area which was to become their home (Numbers 14:6-10). The people erroneously sided with the ten and lost their right to enter the promised land. Now these 40 years of wandering had come to an end.
More than thirty-two years ago, my predecessor, Pete Steigerwald stepped up into an emeritus role, as the Board of Trustees of KHCB appointed me as the President of this ministry. The Lord in His grace has allowed me to see this ministry grow “exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us” (Ephesians 3:20). Now the time has come for me to step into the president emeritus role to make room for Scott Krus (pronounced “cruise”) as he takes up the mantle of the president and leader of KHCB. After a nationwide search, we are thankful the Lord has answered many months of prayer by graciously bringing Scott, who comes from the Moody Broadcasting Network of the Moody Bible Institute. He has served there for many years in a variety of capacities and now transitions to KHCB to oversee and further the ministry of sharing God’s Word through radio and digital opportunities. I hope you will not only read Scott’s testimony but even now pray for him as he steps into this wonderful work.
Many of you have prayed for me over the years and I can’t thank you enough for all the intercessory work done on my behalf! The only honor I have to grant Scott is to ask you to pray for him as well. The Lord has brought him to lead KHCB onward. It is wonderful to hear listeners say, “I pray for you” or “I pray for KHCB,” and I want him to have the same under-girding prayers as I have experienced.
These are exciting days of opportunity to reach people with the Gospel using the ever-changing technology that is becoming available literally to everyone. “The harvest is truly plenteous,” said the Lord Jesus in Matthew 9:37. Bringing God’s word is still the focus of KHCB, 62 years after it began on March 9th, 1962! People still need to hear that “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God,” and “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 3:23 and 6:23). Encouraging people to “believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31) is still the great commission for KHCB as well as for each of us.
There is one major difference between this Old Testament story and my role change at KHCB. Moses was called home by the Lord before Joshua took the people over the Jordan River, but as the Lord allows and is willing, I will still be working at KHCB and will be heard hosting various programs, interviews, and anything else I can do to serve, especially helping Scott with the transition. In the years since Pete stepped back, the Lord has allowed KHCB to grow from two stations to more than 60 outlets broadcasting in five states and using four internet streaming services, to reach around the world!
Yes, the time has come for this CEO to transition into a different role. There is still so much to do for the Lord, and by His grace this is not the end—but another beginning.