March 22nd

Deuteronomy 33:1-34:12

Joshua 1:1-2:24

Moses pronounced his final blessings on the tribes of Israel, asking God to make them fruitful and strong. Then, God instructed him to ascend Mt. Nebo, in order to view the Promised Land before his death. “Moses was 120 years old when he died, yet his eyesight was clear and he was as strong as ever” (Deut. 34:7). Someone after his death, possibly Joshua, added this comment, “There has never been another prophet like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face” (34:10). The greatest leader of God’s people was gone, and now his authority and leadership passed to Joshua.

Joshua would be the one to take Israel across the Jordan into Canaan, to conquer and possess the Promised Land. To start that process, we read about the two spies that went to Jericho and met Rahab, who protected them in exchange for a promise, a promise to protect her and her family when Israel attacked. We will see that promise fulfilled in tomorrow’s reading.

I found it most interesting what God had to say to Joshua at the outset of his command. Here God had laid to rest the greatest leader to date (in fact, the greatest leader until Christ, in my opinion), so then what advice would He have to give to the next leader in line? “Joshua, good luck?” No. If we look carefully at what the Lord said, I think we’ll find a challenge for us all.

“Be strong and courageous. Obey the laws that Moses gave you. Do not turn away from them, and you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it. Only then will you succeed...” (Joshua 1:7, 8). Basically, God said that, in order to be successful, Joshua had to know and do what He said.

Although, because of Christ, we are no longer subject to the old covenant laws, the principle still applies. God’s Word is paramount in the life of His followers! Reading, studying, memorizing, knowing, and obeying His Book is vital to spiritual growth. It is how we know our God. It is how we understand what He has done for us in salvation. It is our source of wisdom. “It is a lamp unto our feet,” as the psalmist said, “and a light unto our path” (119:105).

I can think of very few activities that are more rewarding to my Christian life than spending time in God’s Word. That which I study, I learn. That which I learn, I remember. That which I remember, I apply.

Notice that the Lord opened His charge to Joshua with the words, “Be strong and courageous.” God’s Word is a source of strength and courage for us. He comforts us, enlightens us, inspires us, encourages us, and challenges us. His Word is truth. We can have confidence that it will not return void; it will prevail.

Daily Reflection

How important is God’s Word to you? How would you describe its impact on your life?

How are you doing with memorizing Scripture? Find a systematic way to commit it to memory, so that you can meditate on it, meaning “to speak it under your breath.” Having Scripture in your heart and on your tongue is a step towards spiritual growth.

BiAY.org | Day 81 — 284 Days to Go