Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6 Chapters 31-34)
Moses speaks these words to the entire Jewish nation, then directly to his successor, Joshua. God then calls these two men to His tent of meeting and tells them what is going to happen when His people ‘prostitute themselves to other gods.’ He will hide His face from them.
The last three chapters of this second book of law highlights the rebellious, stiff necked nature of man. A heart hardened against the Sovereign God has only one ending, death. But these last words of Moses, given him by God, are packed full of hope for those that do, indeed, persevere in faith. Believe the testimonies of the faithful, remember God’s blessing to you personally, don’t give in or give up!
After Moses’ final words to the people he led for 40 years, God tells him to go up Mt. Nebo where he will have a panoramic view of Canaan and be gathered to his fathers. (O.T.’s explanation for eternal life beyond death.) God buried his body and lifted his soul into His arms. His remains were not to be found and turned into a talisman of idolatry.
The key component to strength and courage is God’s presence. The key component to the personal presence of God is your worship and obedience.
Love,
Gretchen
Moses, what a man! 40 years in the palace of a pharaoh, 40 years a refugee in Midian and 40 years the leader of 3,000,000 former slaves. Frightened, overwhelmed and less than perfect, but faithful till the very end.