Day 81

Read Deuteronomy 33:1 – 34:12 and then Joshua 1:1 – 2:24

Today’s reading is the transition between the era of Moses and the beginning of Joshua’s leadership with a call to courageous faith (Joshua 1:9).

Before Moses dies, he bestows blessings on the tribes of Israel as a father would before his death similar to the way Jacob blessed his sons (Genesis 49) before his death – read Day 18. Moses reminds the people that even without his leadership, God’s faithful presence continues and God is their shield and helper for the journey ahead (Deuteronomy 33:26-29). God is a shield, a warrior, and a provider who holds His people secure.

When you face the end of a job, relationship, or a phase of life, do you focus on your fears or on the “everlasting arms” holding you?

Moses knew God face-to-face and after he finishes his work, he passes away in Deuteronomy 34. It’s an incredible passage in the Bible because no one knows the manner in which Moses died, only that he died according to the word of the Lord and was buried by God Himself. Moses passes away having served faithfully, leaving behind a people prepared for the Promised Land, showing that God’s work continues through new generations. The relationship between Moses and Joshua shows a mentoring pattern for developing leadership qualities over time:

LEADERSHIP TRAINING:

• Joshua learned patience during the 40 years waiting to get into the Promised Land
• Joshua led the battle against the Amalekites we read about on Day 37 (Exodus 17:9-10)
• Joshua was the leader of a tribe (Numbers 13:2, 8, 16) we read about on Day 61
• On Day 62 we read about Joshua standing for God at the risk of his own life and that he learned to obey only God (Numbers 14:6-10)
• On Day 67 we read about the people Joshua co-led in Numbers 27:18-23, therefore this was an opportunity for Joshua to learn how to lead
• On Day 69 we read that although Joshua was in the minority, he wholly followed God (Numbers 32:11-12)

JOSHUA’S OBSERVATION OF MOSES:

• Joshua likely observed how Moses dealt with frustration at the disobedience of the people we read about on Day 37
• Joshua witnessed how Moses responded to complaining (Exodus 17:1-7)
• Joshua observed how Moses delegated authority in Exodus 18:17-26
• On Day 39 we read about how Moses encountered God on Mt. Sinai in Exodus 24:12-13 and Joshua was his aide.
• On Day 45 Joshua saw Moses obey God in Exodus 40:16-19
• Recall the reading on Days 61 and 63 when Joshua witnessed the rebellion of the people in Numbers 12:1-5; 16:1-50 and imagine how he could be learning from Moses in that experience

JOSHUA TAUGHT BY MOSES:

• On Day 37 we read that Joshua received the scroll written by Moses in Exodus 17:14
• Joshua shared authority with Moses in our reading on Day 67 (Numbers 27:18-23)
• In today’s reading we see that Joshua was given instructions by Moses in the “Book of the Law” (Joshua 1:7-8)

After Moses died, God promises Joshua the same presence He gave Moses and commands him to meditate on the Book of the Law (Joshua 1:5-8) to be successful. True prosperity comes from obedience to God’s commands. Just as Joshua was asked to step into a new, daunting role, we often face intimidating transitions. God’s directive is the same: “be strong and courageous” not because of our strength, but because of His presence. Our success much like Joshua’s, depends on immersing ourselves in His Word and acting upon it.

In Joshua 2, we read about 2 spies sent by Joshua that are aided by Rahab. Although lying is forbidden by scripture, we must affirm Rahab’s great faith and leave any judgement of her to God. Rahab shows initiative, great courage, and spiritual insight. She recognized God’s covenant name, Yahweh. Rahab is a role model for making the right decisions and standing firm, even when it means going against your own peers. The agreement between Rahab and the spies required faithfulness on both sides (Joshua 2:14, 17-18). It’s also important to note that unlike the report of the spies who returned to Moses in Numbers 13 (40 years ag0), this report emphasized the strength and faithfulness of God (Joshua 2:24).

Prayer:

Lord thank You that You are the God of transitions. When I face change, help me to hold onto Your promise that You are with me wherever I go. Give me the courage to step forward into the promises You have for me. I want to trust in Your strength rather than my own. Amen.