Scripture:
Deuteronomy 31:1-8 NKJV
[1] Then Moses went and spoke these words to all of Israel. [2] And he said to them: “I am one hundred and twenty years old today. I can no longer go out and come in. Also, the Lord has said to me, ‘You shall not cross over this Jordan.’ [3] The Lord your God Himself crosses over before you; He will destroy these nations from before you, and you shall dispossess them. Joshua himself crosses over before you, just as the Lord has said. [4] And the Lord will do to them as He did to Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites and their land when He destroyed them. [5] The Lord will give them over to you that you may do to them according to every commandment which I have commanded you. [6] Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” [7] Then Moses called Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “Be strong and of good courage, for you must go with this people to the land which the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall cause them to inherit it. [8] And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”
Observation:
Moses was getting old, and he knew his time was drawing near, after the report Joshua had given when they went into Canaan, he was the obvious choice for a predecessor. GOD’S chosen people needed someone who was courageous to lead them. Someone who would not back down. So Moses steps up to hand over the torch, so to speak. But first, he wanted to encourage the people. As he started to address them, he made it clear that he felt like his time was drawing near. In not so many words, he said… I can’t fight like I used to… I’m getting old. However, that doesn’t change the plans that the LORD has for you. HE said we are going into the promised land, and that is what we are going to do. I (Moses), However, will not be crossing over with you. Not wanting the Israelites to get discouraged, he continues to encourage them by saying the LORD HIMSELF will cross over before you. This is not something you will be doing alone. Speaking to them about what GOD was going to do once they crossed over the Jordan so that they would remember that the battle was already won, all they had to do was show up and not back down. Moses wanted fresh in their mind the past battles when the LORD showed up and showed out. However, courage was going to be the number one component they would need. It would not work if they tucked the tail and ran. Verse 6 says,” Be strong and of good courage, do not be afraid of them. for the LORD, your GOD is the one who goes before you. HE will not leave you nor forsake you.” In verses 7 and 8, Moses turns his attention to Joshua, knowing that he is going to be the one to lead the people. He had to be in the right mindset as well. Speaking even more courage into him to make him ready for the task of leadership. He prepares him by reminding him that the LORD had made a promise and what the LORD says the LORD does. Telling Joshua that by appearance, he would be the one at the front of the pack, but the LORD would be leading them. HE would be going before them, removing all fear of those who would oppose them.
Application:
It’s easy to look at a big challenge that sits in front of you and think it can’t be done, and honestly, you may be right if you are doing it in your own power. You have a reason for fear. But I want you to remember something. GOD has spoken something into you through HIS word. You are a mighty warrior more than a conqueror. You have been given victory over the enemy. It’s all in HIS promises. I want you to look through them. You can do this. Whatever you face, whatever stands between you, and what GOD has promised, you will be moved. HE is the promise keeper. What HE says is the TRUTH. If you are brave enough to stand on it, that is. The enemy can be intimidating. He looks vicious and ferocious, but standing before GOD, the lion becomes a house cat. Courage is what defeats him. His game is to strike fear in your heart and make you doubt what GOD has said. You have the choice of whether or not to believe him. Yes, he may be big, and he may look strong, but GOD goes before you. HE is leading you, and courage defeats fear. Knowing that you have been given victory allows you to fight without fear. In the book that is centered around Joshua in the very first chapter over and over again, it says the same thing, ” Be strong and of good courage.” GOD knew that in the face of a battle, we would have the tendency to doubt and question. So HE took the time so many years ago to tell us HE is our shield and our refuge. HE has given us victory. We just need to show up right behind HIM. Crossing the Jordan… no problem knocking down the walls… no problem, killing the giant… no problem, making the sun stand still… no problem. HE is the GOD of the impossible. We just have to believe in the impossible and stand courageously to receive what has already been given. The battle belongs to the LORD, and HIS record is… flawless victory.
Prayer:
Father, sometimes when we stand in the face of a giant, it’s easy to have some fear. But we know that’s not something you gave us. Your word tells us that you did not give us a spirit of fear but peace, love, and a sound mind. Help us to see that your promises are true and that you are with us. We never want to be cowards or back down from anything that you have given us victory over. So help us to see clearly where you are leading us. Help us to stand on your word and light the path for our feet with it. We know that as long as we follow you, we can not go wrong. You have given us victory. Your son fought the battle and won. HE said it was finished. HE braved the rugged cross so that we could stand on what you said. Plant our feet firmly on just that. Not watered down or redefined for the times. We want to stand on your word and that alone. Not altered or filtered. Just double-barrel, bible right to the heart. Give us the courage needed by the wisdom in your truth. Remove our fear and install your faith in the mighty name of Jesus. I pray amen.