Moses was dying and could go no further. This likely caused fear and uncertainty: Who would lead them next? Moses declared, "The LORD your God himself will cross over ahead of you." He charges them to be strong and courageous, trusting God to deal with the intimidating enemies they faced and to give them the land as he promised. Faith isn't an escape; it is the very expression of courage.

Faith is expressed through obedience to God's covenant. Israel saw both how God blessed their parents' obedience and punished their rebellion in the wilderness wanderings. Now they were responsible for teaching their children God's word so they might fear the LORD and receive their blessed inheritance. Maintaining God's blessing to a thousand generations begins with our act of courageous faith: Teaching our children the Bible.

God revealed to Moses and Joshua that His people would forsake the LORD and break the covenant. This would result in many disasters. But God kept his long-term hope and vision for the generations. To witness to future generations, God instructed Moses to store the Bible and to write down a song. Joshua had to bear the next generation. God commanded him: "Be strong and courageous… I myself will be with you."


Application: Father, thank you for being with us. Grant me courageous faith to obey and teach others.
One Word: Hear God's word and learn to fear him