March 22 - Deuteronomy 33:1-34:12 | Joshua 1:1-2:24

Good morning everyone,

This morning we conclude the book of Deuteronomy thus ending the Tora. Moses blesses the tribes then goes up to Mount Nebo, climbed Pisgah Peak, where he died. It is worth noting that the Lord himself buried Moses and no one knows the exact place. It is also worth noting that when we get to Jude 9 we will read that the devil was fighting with the archangel Michael for the body of Moses. It begs the question, why? Some commentators believe it’s because Moses will be one of the two witnesses in Revelation 11 preaching the truth, trying to reach the hearts of those left behind. Curious!

We read in vs. 10 “Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face”. Moses was the only person who ever spoke with God face to face, he was called Israel’s greatest prophet. Moses was a man who, when God called upon him, did not want to be sent to Egypt. He told God “ I am not very good with words. I never have been and I am not now”, and yet God equipped him with self confidence, and the words to lead a nation out of bondage and prepare them for the Promised Land. Moses understood that any greatness that he knew or achieved was because of God and through all of his success Moses remained humbled. Moses loved and respected God. God was Moses’ best friend.

Here begins the book of Joshua. You’ll remember that Joshua was one of only two adults from the first generation of Israelites to enter the Promised Land. He was known for his deep trust in God and as we read in Num. 27:18 “a man in whom is the spirit”. Only Joshua was allowed to accompany Moses up to the holy mountain where the tablets with the Ten Commandments were received. Joshua will prove to be a good military strategist in the battles that follow and an equally good leader for the tribes of Israel. 

In Joshua 1 the people are camped on the east bank of the Jordan, they have completed the thirty day mourning period for the death of Moses, now it is time to prepare to cross the river. As qualified and as geared up as Joshua was for the task, with and through God, on some level, I can’t help but feel he has got to be questioning himself, wondering “ Am I really ready for this?” I do believe I would be wondering that … you? But I love how God is right there to encourage vs. 6 “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead”. vs.7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey” vs. 9, now a command, “be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” How awesome is that!? God told Joshua , “You’re the one for the job, obey all the rules, the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” I am pretty sure that would settle any “rookie” nerves.

In chapter 2 we see that Joshua sent out two spies to gather information and what better place then the house of a prostitute, right? Let’s face it, she would see a lot of people and hear a lot of “stuff”, but also God knew Rahab’s heart would be open to Him. It is a beautiful picture of how even what most would consider the lowliest of people, God will use to accomplish His perfect plan and …. and how we never have to let our past hold us captive. When we choose Jesus we shed that old life like a snake sheds it’s skin. 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” That’s what I’m talkin’ about :-) Our God is an awesome God!!

I pray you have an amazing day, to God be the glory.

God bless you all …