During the next few days we will study the proof-producing power demonstrated by God through the nation of Israel as they left the wilderness behind and entered Canaan to claim their inheritance.
The book of Deuteronomy ends with the death of Moses. The book of Joshua begins with the conclusion of a period of mourning for Moses and the commission to Joshua to lead the nation of Israel into their Promised Land. The book of Joshua commences where the book of Deuteronomy ends.
The first nine verses of the book of Joshua are a record of God speaking to the new leader of Israel:
Now after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord it came to pass, that the Lord spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying, Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. (Joshua 1:1-2)
God told Joshua, "Moses my servant is dead." Moses was a great man, but his era was past. You cannot continue to live in the past if you want to embrace your future.
Very often, a crisis moves you on to the next assignment God has for you. For Joshua, the crisis was Moses' death. Joshua had faithfully served Moses for years (Exodus 17:8- 16; 24:12-18; 33:11; Numbers 13:16). Moses had anointed Joshua as his successor at the command of the Lord (Numbers
27:18-23; Deuteronomy 34:9).
The death of Moses was a great loss to Joshua.
The people of Israel mourned Moses for thirty days after his death and then God told Joshua it was time to quit mourning. The past was over. It was time for Joshua to step into his new anointing. God said, "Now therefore arise." Joshua's era--a new season-- was about to begin.
From what do you need to arise in order to embrace the future God has for you? A great loss? Rejection? Abandonment? The loss of your spiritual mentor? Whatever it is, it is time to put the past where it should be--behind you. No more mourning. No more looking back. A new spiritual era is beginning in your life.
If you are experiencing a crisis right now, it very well may be the hand of God that is orchestrating circumstances to move you on to your next assignment.
PRAYER:
My FATHER, My God, this year let my life reflect the blessing of the Lord, I shall not be static, I decree PROGRESS, FAVOR, HONOR, AND INFLUENCE are my portion. My life is SALTED, My speech is SALTED, My Home and Business are SALTED in the name of Jesus.