Be Strong and Courageous

(Today's reading - Deuteronomy 31-32; Luke 1:1-23)

In the closing chapters of Deuteronomy, Moses is receiving God's final instructions before the children of Israel cross the Jordan to take the Promised Land. He faces death on Mt. Nebo because of his unfaithfulness at the waters of Meribah Kadesh. He will see the land, but will not be allowed to enter into it. His place among the heroes of faith is forever secure, but even heroes are not perfect. (see Hebrews 11:24ff) Moses prepares Joshua to be leader of the people and gives them all one last instruction and warning about their future in the Land.

I want to focus on one verse this morning. It is a verse that contains a promise to those that were about to enter the Land and face many battles. God tells them this, "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."  (Deut 31:6) Undoubtedly, the people were afraid of what they would face as they began to battle the inhabitants of the Land. The outcome of all of this was not in jeopardy. God knew exactly what would happen, but the people didn't. They stood on the east side of a river and wondered what would happen when they came up out of the water on the other side. Would the battles be difficult? Would they die in the process? Would they really be victorious?

Of course we read the history of what happened and we know that they entered the Land and were victorious. God kept His land promise to His people. But what does this have to do with you and me today? Is God's promise found in Deuteronomy 31:6 still valid for us? Are there battles that He expects us to fight today? Over the next few days, I will explore this in light of New Testament scriptures and examine our role in the world and what God expects His people to do today.

After reviewing the heroes of faith in chapter 11, the Hebrew writer gives us some encouragement that we should consider... Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:1-3) 

He is saying to you and me, "Moses is watching". Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Rahab... they are all in the bleachers watching us run our race. These people, flawed as they were, found entrance into the Faith Hall of Fame and they are cheering you on in your fight. They want you, they want me to join them, so the writer tells us to fix our eyes on Jesus. Why Jesus and not them? Why, because He was the only one to ever live out this life perfectly. He is the author and perfecter of faith. Without flaws, He ran the race and so He is the one that we are to emulate. He is the example we are called to follow. Keep Deuteronomy 31:6 in your thoughts and prayers over the next few days as we explore God's plan for us on planet earth.

Love God, Love People

Dale