Deuteronomy Chapter 31
We are about to come to the end of Moses’ life on earth. For decades, he has led a stubborn, stick-necked, rebellious group of people out of Egypt, wandering in the wilderness and now he is to hand over the leadership to Joshua.
We all know that God had forbade Moses to see the fruition of his years of labour and he would not be able to cross the Jordan to actually step foot on the Promised land. But Moses did not allow that to deter him in his continued faithful service to God.
God first addressed the Israelites. And then Joshua before the people.
One phrase continually rang across the final words of Moses.
6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
7 Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. 8 The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
~ verse 6 to 8~
23 The Lord gave this command to Joshua son of Nun: “Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land I promised them on oath, and I myself will be with you.”
~ verse 23 ~
After Moses died and before Joshua led the people across the Jordan, similar words were uttered by God to Joshua (Joshua 1:6-9, 18).
God knows that at times, when He calls us to do something for Him, especially when it is something new or unknown, we will be fearful and unsure if we are able to proceed.
Fear is one of the more common reasons that hold us back from our service to God. There are many kinds of fear. Fear of what others may think. Fear of the consequences of our decision to be obedient to God. Fear that we are not capable. Fear that we will fail in what God wants to do…. so many fears. And if we are not careful, this fear will stop us from doing what God wants us to do.
If you read verse 3 carefully, it says “3 The Lord your God himself will cross over ahead of you….”
God did not just tell us to be strong and courageous. He tells us that He, Himself, will go ahead of us!
When God wants us to do something for Him, He will be with us. Not only with us, but go ahead of us!
What a powerful promise!
So is there anything holding you back in your service to God today?
Sing this Christian song today and remember this:
Be strong and take courage
Do not fear or be dismayed
For the Lord will go before you
And His light will show the way
Be strong and take courage
Do not fear or be dismayed
For the one who lives within you
Will be strong in you today
