SCRIPTURE: DEUTERONOMY 31
BIBLE VERSES:
“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.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
“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.”” (Deuteronomy 31: 7-8)
JOSHUA TO SUCCEED MOSES (vs. 1-8)
When Moses was 120 years old, he spoke to the Israelites that he could no longer lead them to cross over Jordan. He summoned Joshua to succed him and lead them to the land of milk and honey. He gave this encouraging words: “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” (v. 6)
THE READING OF THE LAW (vs. 9-13)
Moses wrote down the law and gave it to the priests and to all the elders of Israel. He commanded them to read the law during the Feast of Tabernacles.
ISRAEL’S REBELLION PREDICTED (vs. 14-30)
Moses and Joshua presented themselves to the Lord at the Tent of Meeting. The Lord Predicted to Moses that the people will forsake Him and many disasters will come upon them. God told Moses to write down a song, teach it, and to have them sung as a witness for them. After Moses finished writing the Book of the Law, he told the Levites to place it beside the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord to remain as a witness.
THOUGHTS:
Moses could have been discouraged for not being able to enter the promised land. Instead, he gave encouragement to his people to face the challenge of a new life in a new land under a new leader. He encouraged the people not to be afraid of the enemy because God would give them victory. He encouraged Joshua by assuring God’s presence with him. He also encouraged the Levites to protect and proclaim the Word of God and to teach it to the whole nation.