A New Leader

O. T. #430  "A New Leader"
December 31, 2014
Deuteronomy 31-Part 2
And He gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I sware unto them: and I will be with thee.  (Deuteronomy 31:23)

LET IT GLOW

God does not change, neither does His Word-He never fails nor leaves me. I came through the CAT scan without any problems. The 2 hour drink was even berry tasty. Now I wait a few more days for the result and what the surgeon's plan is. God always has a plan and that's the one I want. He is amazing God and so trustworthy. Thank You God for strength and courage that comes from You.

Sometimes it is hard to accept a new leader. We become accustomed to the old leader and his ways. Perhaps we are skeptical of the new one, waiting for him to prove himself. Maybe we compare the two, unknowingly. But the new leader deserves a chance, especially when he is in God's will. Israel was soon to be in such a situation. Moses' time of departure was coming, so he wanted to prepare the people for the new leader.

Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the Old Testament tells us about the last four chapters:

These are "transition chapter" as Moses gives his final word to the people he has loved and led for forty years. It is amazing that Moses remained so loyal to his people, for they were guilty of criticizing him, rebelling against him, and lying about him. Moses knew that he himself would not enter Canaan, yet he did everything possible to enable Israel to enter! Of course, Moses was faithful to the Lord (Heb. 3:1-6), and this is why he was so faithful to Israel.

Wiersbe speaks of the new leader (chapter 31), the new song (32), the new blessing (33), and the new home (34).

In chapter 31, we read about the new leader, Joshua:

1. Moses announced the new leader for the people (verses 1-6), explaining that he would not be able to lead them any longer because of God's judgment. Moses gave the people that wonderful promise of God's victorious presence in verse 6. It's repeated in verse 8, Joshua 1:9, and Hebrews 13:5.
2. Mosses called Joshua and commissioned him (verse 7-13), laying his hands on him and thereby granting the spiritual power he would need for his great task (34:9).
3. Moses put a copy of Deuteronomy in the hands of the priests to place in the ark, and to read at the Feast of Tabernacles. He knew only God's Word could make the people the kind of nation God wanted them to be.
4. God summoned both Moses and Joshua to the tabernacle (verses 14-30) where He told them that the nation would rebel and turn away from the Law. He commissioned both of them to write a "song" (32:44) to be taught to the people.
5. Moses was not permitted to lead Israel into Canaan for two reasons: He had sinned against God at Meribah (Num. 20:7-13); Deut. 3:23-29); and Canaan is the type of the "rest" we have in Christ, and Moses the lawgiver could never bring rest. Only Joshua, the type of Christ the conqueror, could do that (Heb. 4; verse 8 calls Joshua "Jesus," which is the Greek spelling). (Wiersbe)

LET IT GROW

Our God has commissioned His children to share His song and Word with others.

For I know thy rebellion, and thy stiff neck; behold, while I am yet alive with you this day, ye have been rebellious against the LORD; and how much more after my death? (verse 27)

Moses was well acquainted with Israel's obstinate ways, even in the most gracious of divine provision.  (MacArthur)

Moses knew that the Israelites, in spite of all they had seen of God's work, were rebellious at heart. They deserved God's punishment, although they often received His mercy instead. We, too, are stubborn and rebellious by nature.  Throughout our lives we struggle with sin. Repentance once a month or once a week is not enough. We must constantly turn from our sins to God and let Him, in His mercy, save us. (Life Application Study Bible) 

Although we can be a stiff necked and rebellious people like Israel, He disciplines us and bring us back with His loving arms.

Will we agree with God that we sin and ask His forgiveness? He is so patiently waiting for us.

LET IT GO

Repent, turn, surrender to God.

Bend that neck in humility.

Sing praises to the Lord all the day long.