Deuteronomy 31:6 (ESV) Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you."
Pastor Bob, in his Christmas message spoke of how Jesus came to the earth into the mess of a stable and how, through history, He has come into the lives of His people in the "messiness", the difficult, challenging times of our lives.
In today's passage, Moses is preparing to transfer the leadership of the nation of Israel to Joshua. They had gone through 40 years of wandering in the desert. Now as the promised land is in sight the people will have to realize that it will have to be someone else that will lead them. What would Moses say to them?
He doesn't say that they'll have to just figure it out for themselves. He doesn't point to a person at this point to lead them. He encourages to have faith, to trust God, who had led the previous generation through the Red Sea, had led them by a cloud and pillar of fire, who had provided manna, quail, and water in the desert. He points out that God would still be leading them and that He hadn't brought them to this point only to forsake them.
Many things can bring about anxiety about upcoming changes in our lives. Moses spoke to the people in general and to Joshua in particular, not to be in dread of them, his words from the heart of God, speak to us the same way today.
"There are no dilemmas out of which you shall not be delivered if you live near to God, and your heart be kept warm with holy love. He goes not amiss who goes in the company of God. Like Enoch, walk with God, and you cannot mistake your road. You have infallible wisdom to direct you, immutable love to comfort you, and eternal power to defend you. "Jehovah"--mark the word--"Jehovah shall guide thee continually." - from Charles Spurgeon's "Morning and Evening" for today.
Isaiah 58:11 (HCSB) The LORD will always lead you,
satisfy you in a parched land,
and strengthen your bones.
You will be like a watered garden
and like a spring whose waters never run dry.
satisfy you in a parched land,
and strengthen your bones.
You will be like a watered garden
and like a spring whose waters never run dry.
In Christ,
Mike
Mike
Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIV
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIV
Deuteronomy 31:5-8 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
5 The LORD will deliver them over to you, and you must do to them exactly as I have commanded you. 6 Be strong and courageous; don't be terrified or afraid of them. For it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will not leave you or forsake you."
7 Moses then summoned Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, "Be strong and courageous, for you will go with this people into the land the LORD swore to give to their fathers. You will enable them to take possession of it. 8The LORD is the One who will go before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged."
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