Deuteronomy 6-8 = Today's Thoughts

Deuteronomy 6-8 = Today's Thoughts

 

As the people of Israel prepare to enter into the Promised Land, Moses knowing that he will not be going with them is trying to prepare them for what they will encounter.  Moses, like a concerned parent releasing their children to another’s care as they go on without him, he wants them to know their potential pitfalls, the struggles, the expectations, give them hope, and give them warning, he wants the best for them and wants them to succeed. Moses, a man who knows God unlike maybe anyone before him truly understands the nature of God, he is a friend of God, a person who has walked with him and been face to face with him.  Moses knows that God is a jealous God wanting the faithfulness of the people.  Moses tries to communicate here how the people are to respond to God as he leads them and blesses them into the Land that they have been promised for so long.  40 years he has prepared them for this jouney and now he must let them go ahead without him.  Moses has seen them succeed and seen them fail, he knows how they can be swayed and knows their humanity.  He tries to protect them so they will remain holy before the Lord. 

 

Passing a mantle is rarely without struggle, and here we have Moses setting up Joshua in such a profoundly powerful way.  Preparing the people, encouraging them, disciplining them and informing them.  So that when the time comes under Joshua’s leadership for there to be fear, doubt, excitement and rejoicing, they will be able to look back and know that he is the right man because the one who prepared him foretold their situations, and they know what their response should be and the will know that Joshua is leading as God wants him to lead.  Moses, a friend of God, while flawed as any man is, was a truly humble and servant like leader. 

 

Have a great day.

Rob