Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 31:1-8

“The Lord is the One who will go before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”

 

Deuteronomy 31:8


Reflection

The LORD God does all of the work. In obedience to God, Moses charges Joshua with the task of leading Israel into the Promised Land. To prepare both Joshua and Israel for the next step of their journey, he gives this encouragement to them: that the Lord God will go before them. Because God will be with the people, Moses says that they can be strong. They do not have to fear what lies ahead in this new land. While Moses will no longer be with them, God Himself will be with Israel, working through them to fulfill the promise He had made to His people. He is the One Who will continue to work through the people He appoints.

God’s work continues throughout the ages. The tasks that believers do in obedience to Him are never squandered by God, Whose work spans the width of the universe and the length of time. Moses was a great servant of God, but he was finite. The saints that we can recall from either history books or oral tradition have all been involved in bits and pieces of the one overarching work of God. What a great assurance we gain then, from remembering like Moses that God is the One Who goes before us in every step He calls us to take for Him.

As we continue to obey God, He continues through us the work that He first began. Believer, while doing God’s work, always remember that God is the One Who does the work through you. Therefore, you do not have to be unsure of the outcome that God Himself will bring about for His Glory. Hear the words Moses declares to Israel. They are also for you as you live in obedience to the LORD: “He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You alone are infinite. The work of Your hands can be seen throughout the universe. Thank You for assuring me of Your Sovereignty and Power. Thank You for allowing me to be a part of Your great plan. As I live for You, LORD, please help me hear the ways You are calling me to serve You. Help me to heed Your direction in all aspects of my life. In Jesus’ Precious Name I pray, AMEN.

Bible-in-a-Year Reading Plan (credit: Biblestudytools.com): Acts 7:23-8:1a; Deuteronomy 31-32; Job 19