“Moses continued to speak these words to all Israel. And he said, ‘I am 120 years old today. I am no longer able to go out and come in. The Lord has said to me, “You shall not go over this Jordan.” The Lord your God himself will go over before you. He will destroy these nations before you, so that you shall dispossess them, and Joshua will go over at your head, as the Lord has spoken. And the Lord will do to them as he did to Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites, and to their land, when he destroyed them. And the Lord will give them over to you, and you shall do to them according to the whole commandment that I have commanded you. Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.’
“Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, ‘Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land.., and you shall put them in possession of it. It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.’” Deuteronomy 31:1-8
Humble Moses, friend of God, encouraged Israel as an outflow of his relationship and ongoing communion with his Lord. The end of his life was all about his God, not himself, and giving generously from all he’d received. What he said was fueled by what he knew to be true. What he closed his life with was a continuation of what he’d lived all along: a steady understanding and living out of God’s word. A faithful walk of grappling with disappointment and trusting a Lord who’d never forsaken him. Moses carried no bitterness over the consequences of his sin. He gave instruction to remain in and follow God’s word- it was indeed a lifeline. He gave clear testimony to God’s greatness, and bestowed uplifting promises upon his successor Joshua. (Exodus 33:11-12; Numbers 20:10-13; Deuteronomy 3:23-28; 31:9-30; 32:47)
Encourage: to inspire with courage, confidence, or hope; give support. If we’ve walked with the Lord for any length of time, we own much we can share to put courage into others. We know the Lord in ways He wants to reveal to our family members and friends. We’ve walked through doubt and despair with a faithful Shepherd whom colleagues need to know. We’ve experienced victories and refreshment others long for. (Psalm 23:1-4)
When has the Lord walked alongside in a hard situation? How has He met us in grief and undertaken for our needs? In what hardships has He stretched and confirmed our faith? How can we build up the body and magnify God’s praise by giving testimony to His love, abiding, and faithfulness? What truths about His character, intervention, and inspiration have we come to know firsthand that we can tell for His fame (not ours)? How can we specifically point others to His sufficiency and redeeming power? Whom will we tell of His steadfast care and mercy? (1 Thessalonians 4:18; 5:11; Hebrews 3:13; 10:24-25)
Who in my life who needs particular encouragement today? What truth, what benediction, what admonition or refreshment will I give?
Lord, make me generous to share from all You’ve taught and done, and so build up Your body to maturing faith.
As the rain and snow 