Dei Break
Deuteronomy 34:1-12
God called Moses a friend whom He spoke with "face to face." The Jews of Jesus' time still considered Moses one of the most important leaders in their history. He led the people for forty years and was still capable of leading them into the land promised by God. Yet, God took him away at the time that the people needed strong leadership the most. God also buried Moses (vs.6) and his grave was never found.
Israel would survive without Moses because God had been Moses' strength and wisdom. God now endowed Joshua for the task of leading His people. He would now be the shepherd and messenger who would follow God and work by His direction. Both Moses and Joshua succeeded not because of who they were, but because of Who they followed.
Today we conclude the books of Moses. In them, we found the beginning of the world and the beginning of the people of God. We have seen the beginning of the Jewish system of sacrifice and we have carried the tablets of the Law down the mountain with Moses. Now we get to read about the conquest of the land under Joshua. After seeing the history of the Israelites in the wilderness, you may already suspect that they might not get the conquest of their new land completed in quite the way God directs.
Next in the Bible comes the book entitled "Joshua". "Joshua" does not include its author's name, but it is very early since some ot the participants are cited as still living, and the author at times indicates that he was present during the events described. Joshua may well have written at least parts of the story, though his death obviously was not sefl-recorded. The book tells the story of Israel at last entering the land promised to Abraham.
Next time: Be Strong and Courageous
Recent Comments