Day 89 – Joshua’s Calling

• Today we see some of the final words of Moses as he prepares Joshua for the job of leading the people into the Promised Land. Moses’ words today are split. The first chapter is encouragement, warning, and the commission of Joshua in his role. The second is a lengthy (and thoughtful) poem of Moses of God’s response to Israel’s sin in the wilderness.
• According to today’s first passage, how long did Moses live?
• Can you remember why he didn’t cross the Jordan river and wasn’t allowed into the Promised Land? You’ll find God’s direct comments on this matter int he final paragraphs of Deuteronomy 32.
• How often (and at what feast) was the Law to be read out to the people? You can read about this in Deuteronomy 31:9-13. Why did the people need this regular reading of the Law?
• We need regular teaching too – and I don’t mean every seven years! We encourage you to come to all church activities because its there that you will forge a deeper relationship with Jesus as you study and understand His word. We come to church for many good reasons, but it should primarily be to deepen our relationship with God and worship Him – everything else should be secondary!
• What does God tell Moses about the future of Israel? Deuteronomy 31:14 onward will help you. What does this tell you about God’s patience and love for His people?
• I like verses 7-8 of our first reading today. There is a similar reprise in verse 23. It’s a reminder that we’ll see several times in the next few days, but it’s worth mentioning each and every time it pops up! Be strong and courageous! You certainly do need those qualities to stand up for Jesus, don’t you? I do pray for you all that you will know that God will be with you in all situations too. Perhaps you could write this verse in the front of your journal.
• What warning did Moses have for the people as chapter 31 concludes? Does it apply to us?
• How might you sum up Moses’ themes in the song of chapter 32? When you read it, you may like to try to sing it in your head to a made-up tune. That might sound silly, but it will help you to read it carefully!
• What do you think the people would have felt as they listened to the poem’s warnings?
• How did you feel as Deuteronomy 32 closed? It’s rather poignant, I thought. What about you?

Whilst the challenge to be bold and courageous was given to Joshua, it is of course relevant for us as we go ahead into “battle” in our lives, pushing forward with courage with the promise of a Great Land ahead of us. God will never leave us, or forsake us. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged! We’ll look at this theme again in a few days’ time.

Spend a moment or two thinking about how the camp would have been thinking and preparing for the events to come, especially in the knowledge (as we see right at the end of chapter 32) that Moses would soon be leaving them. Moses, despite bearing much of the flak from the people for the last 40 years, had nevertheless been a pivotal figure in the leadership of the people, and they would soon have to come to terms with the idea of pushing into Canaan without their faithful leader.

Tomorrow, we’ll say goodbye to Moses and think more about his legacy – as well as a final surprising connection with Jesus!