SCRIPTURE: Deuteronomy 31
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
Then Jesus told them, This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ [Matthew 26:31]
Both Jesus and Moses are looking ahead to when their followers will fall away.
This must have been a hard time for both of them.
Moses had spent 40 years with this people, they had bonded through their wilderness journey, though he was painfully aware of their weakness.
But he also knows that they will fail.
And so he encourages them to stay focused on God: The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. [Deuteronomy 31:8]
Like a parent giving final instructions to their child leaving the home.
They know that they will have to make their own mistakes, that in fact they will probably fail in some ways.
But that’s reality, and in that reality they need to be encouraged to remember the Lord.
Like Moses, Jesus encourages us as well.
Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. [Luke 12:32].
This is our confidence.
The Lord is going with us, the Father is on our side.
We may leave and forsake Him, but He will never leave or forsake us.
We are like a flock of sheep, easily distracted, easily deceived, easily defeated.
But our confidence is in the Good Shepherd, Who though He was struck down for a moment, has risen victorious.
Through Him God’s kingdom is re-established and we are guaranteed the ultimate victory.
Short term we will stumble, short term we will face challenges.
But ultimately we can be courageous and confident.
I find this message inspiring for myself as I consider the great opportunities and challenges that lie before us as a church.
I am assaulted by fears and doubts, but then I remind myself that though the battle may be tough, the outcome is guaranteed.
As we serve in Falby Court, we can be assured that the LORD himself goes before us and will be with us; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. [Deuteronomy 31:8]
PRAYER:
Lord, I will not be afraid, I will not be discouraged. I refuse to give the enemy more credit than You.
Assemble the people. The children must hear it. Learn to fear the Lord. This is the refrain again and again. But . . .
When things went well for the people they went their own way and not God’s way. They forgot the song which the Lord had put in their hearts. They forgot to walk with the Lord their God.
Moses was a strong leader as was Joshua. Remember the refrain – but as for me and my household, we will serve the living God. After Joshua the people did what was right in their own eyes and did not follow God’s ways. They became corrupt. No strong leader. No one to remind the people – this is the way. Walk in it.
We have one stronger than Moses or Joshua. I serve a risen Saviour and He tells me the Way since He is the Way. Be strong and courageous for I am with you always to the ends of the earth. Turn your eyes on me and I will lead you and guide you. Whatever happens, I am there. Be strong in My name.
In Him I am more than a conqueror. Thank You Lord. PTL.
In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song;
this Cornerstone, this solid Ground,
firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
here in the love of Christ I stand.