The day had come – the Israelites were going to enter the Promised Land but they would be doing so without their leader. Moses had taken them as far as God was going to permit him to go. Moses prepares them, delivering a farewell speech, as he truly knew the nature of the people. In the middle of his speech, he says:
"So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT)
The question we need to ask is – Who is the “them” in my life, in our lives?
The Israelites were able to move forward, not denying their fear, but in the knowledge and awareness of three things:
- “For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you.” They knew Who was going ahead of them, for He had assured them He was personally with them. We need to know that as well. Our God is with us and He is for us.
- “He will not fail you.” Moses was assuring the people of God’s care for them. God would not fall short of what He had promised. God was not in any way deficient or lacking. Our God will not fail us either.
- Our God “will not abandon you.” God was not going to abandon His people. He made a covenant with them and He is faithful to do that which He has promised. Neither will He abandon us.
The interesting thing is in the Greek, it is a triple negative, which we do not have in the English language. So it would read, “No not never will I leave you, no not never will I forsake you” (New American Commentary). God is emphatic in promising us that He will always remain with us.
Today may we rise up and take Him at His Word; and may we not be afraid of “them“.
“No. Not. Never.”
Thank you, Joanne, for your words of encouragement.
ReplyDeleteJanis, grateful His Word encouraged you. We need to be reminded now and then of His forever Presence with us. Blessings to you today, friend!
ReplyDeleteThis passage has always been so meaningful to me!
ReplyDelete