Deuteronomy 31:1-8
The time had arrived for Moses to step down as the leader of the Israelites, as his life was coming to a close and the time to enter the Promised Land approached. Because of his sin at Meribah, he would not be able to lead the people into the land. But God, again, had made provision for them. He did not leave his people without leadership as they made their way into their new homeland.
Moses reminded the people, one more time, of all the wonderful things God had done for them along their journey in explaining how he would continue to lead and protect them the rest of the way. He assured them that God would go ahead of them and clear the land of all their enemies, much like the way he had done in the past with other nations. Then they would be able to inhabit the land, with the remaining people, presumably, as their servants.
Then Moses took a very important step by introducing his successor to the people. Having gathered them all together, Moses called Joshua forward and encouraged him as he publicly passed on his role as the Israelite leader. This was so important because the Israelites were stubborn enough as it was. Can you imagine how much trouble Joshua would have had trying to get them to listen to or do anything had he not been endorsed to them by Moses? I just know it would have been a mess. Also, in doing so, he let the people know that God also had not abandoned them, even though he was taking Moses away. He made a promise and he was bound to keep it, despite their best efforts to the contrary.
God does the same thing for us today. As we move from trial to trial and glory to glory, God reminds of us his presence with us along the way. He carries us when we are weak, guides us when we are lost and chastens us when we are wrong. All this because of his love for us. He brings people in and out of our lives (and us in and out of the lives of others) to serve a purpose for a season - be it long or short. When the time comes, he moves that person aside and takes the reigns until another comes to take their place.
Lord, help us to be patient and faithful as we transition. Help us to remember that you are always with us and will never leave us nor forsake us. Even when we turn from you and try to go our own way, thank you, God, for your faithfulness to receive us again when we come to our senses. Give us the humility and love to respect and honor those that you set over us. Give us discernment to know when their guidance is from you or their selfish pride. Give us the courage to take a stand when we know what's right but are faced with wrongdoing. And lead us safely into our Promised Land as we follow your will faithfully. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
The time had arrived for Moses to step down as the leader of the Israelites, as his life was coming to a close and the time to enter the Promised Land approached. Because of his sin at Meribah, he would not be able to lead the people into the land. But God, again, had made provision for them. He did not leave his people without leadership as they made their way into their new homeland.
Moses reminded the people, one more time, of all the wonderful things God had done for them along their journey in explaining how he would continue to lead and protect them the rest of the way. He assured them that God would go ahead of them and clear the land of all their enemies, much like the way he had done in the past with other nations. Then they would be able to inhabit the land, with the remaining people, presumably, as their servants.
Then Moses took a very important step by introducing his successor to the people. Having gathered them all together, Moses called Joshua forward and encouraged him as he publicly passed on his role as the Israelite leader. This was so important because the Israelites were stubborn enough as it was. Can you imagine how much trouble Joshua would have had trying to get them to listen to or do anything had he not been endorsed to them by Moses? I just know it would have been a mess. Also, in doing so, he let the people know that God also had not abandoned them, even though he was taking Moses away. He made a promise and he was bound to keep it, despite their best efforts to the contrary.
God does the same thing for us today. As we move from trial to trial and glory to glory, God reminds of us his presence with us along the way. He carries us when we are weak, guides us when we are lost and chastens us when we are wrong. All this because of his love for us. He brings people in and out of our lives (and us in and out of the lives of others) to serve a purpose for a season - be it long or short. When the time comes, he moves that person aside and takes the reigns until another comes to take their place.
Lord, help us to be patient and faithful as we transition. Help us to remember that you are always with us and will never leave us nor forsake us. Even when we turn from you and try to go our own way, thank you, God, for your faithfulness to receive us again when we come to our senses. Give us the humility and love to respect and honor those that you set over us. Give us discernment to know when their guidance is from you or their selfish pride. Give us the courage to take a stand when we know what's right but are faced with wrongdoing. And lead us safely into our Promised Land as we follow your will faithfully. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
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