Joshua Commissioned by Moses

Deuteronomy 31:1–13
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Moses reminds the people that he is now 120 years old (v. 2). However, he still has a very sharp mind and is physically strong (Duet. 34:7). Since he did not get to go into the promised land, because of an earlier act of unbelief (Num. 20:1-13), he could have closed his life under a dark cloud of discouragement. Instead, Moses gave encouragement to his people as they faced the challenge of a new life in a new land under a new leader. He tells the people that God’s program for the nation does not depend on any one human leader but is only dependent on God’s power. He promises that God will destroy the nations and help Israel to possess the land (vv. 1-6).

Next Moses commissioned Joshua as their new leader and challenged him to be courageous (vv. 7-9). It would not be easy for Joshua to take the place of a great leader like Moses. Then he handed over the Law to the priest and elders of Israel (vv. 10-13). The priests were instructed to read the law publicly at the Feast of Tabernacles every seven years. This was very important as it was rare when an individual possessed a copy of the Scriptures. This made the public reading of the Law of great significance. If Israel did not enjoy the Word, they could not enjoy the blessings of God in their inheritance. 

In each generation God changes His workers, but His work must go on. No matter who our spiritual leaders are, we must love the Lord and live according to His Word. That is the secret of blessing and success. It is also the secret of being an encouragement to others.

Application

To fulfill God’s purpose in my life I need to constantly be refreshing my mind and heart in the Word of God and sharing it with others. One of my top priorities should be spending time encouraging new believers and younger Christians. This should be directed toward showing them how to follow the Lord in all of life’s situations.