Reading: Deuteronomy 34:5-12

Verse 9: “Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him.”

Moses comes down from the mountain, having seen the Promised Land. He died there in Moab. Yet this is not the end of Moses’ impact on Israel. Just as he knew that he was a part of God’s unfolding plan during his lifetime, he also understood that his legacy would be part of the continuing plan. His words and actions have shaped and formed the people. He has mentored Joshua. These efforts will go forward with them into the Promised Land. And in his dying, he modeled faith and obedience. Even though 120 years old, Moses was strong and clear-minded. Moses understood that this too was God’s plan. Moses followed God even into death.

After Moses died, Joshua assumed leadership. He was chosen by God and he was trained and blessed by Moses. In verse 9 we read that he “was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him.” Joshua was clearly the next leader. Israel followed his lead and they listened to his words. Even though “no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses,” the people will follow Joshua. It will not be the same, yet they will follow Joshua.

In our lives we experience change. We spend time in the wilderness, being shaped and formed into who God desires us to be. As we emerge and recognize that things aren’t exactly the same, may we first seek God’s guidance and direction, discerning the way that we should go. As it was with Israel, God will show the way. You might even play the role of Joshua! May it be for us as it was with Israel as they moved towards the Promised Land.

Prayer: Lord God, help us to faithfully and obediently step forward into your future. Remove our longing for the past and our worry about the present and the future. Give us the courage to look beyond self and to loosen our grip on our stuff. Open our eyes to the plans and purposes that you have for us. Lead us to faithfully join you in the plans that you have for us. Amen.