God Guides His People

Pray – (1/2 minute)

Read – (2 1/2 minutes) – “Then Moses went out and spoke these words to all Israel: ‘I am now a hundred and twenty years old and I am no longer able to lead you. The Lord has aid to me, ‘You shall not cross the Jordan.’ The Lord your God Himself will cross over ahead of you. He will destroy these nations before you, and you will take possession of their land. Joshua also will cross over ahead of you, as the Lord said.” (Deuteronomy 31:1-3)

       Passage: Psalm 40:1-6

Moses was at the end of his final messages to the people of Israel when he told them that the Lord would not let him go into the Promised Land. Of all the people (by estimates perhaps a little more or less than 2 million), only Joshua and Caleb were over 70. The rest were 59 or younger and most were under 40. They had never had another leader besides Moses and the thought of not having him lead them into the Promised Land must have caused many to worry. However, Moses gave them the assurance they needed to hear. First, God would be leading them into the land. Second, God had chosen a successor for Moses who would lead them under the leadership of the Lord.

God had a plan and purpose for His people the Israelites to take possession of the Promised Land and to be a blessing to the world, with the greatest blessing being the coming of the Messiah, Jesus. On this side of the cross, Jesus established the church with a plan and purpose to reach the world with the gospel and to teach His followers how to live. He does not leave us alone in this task. First, He is our leader and guide through His Holy Spirit, who dwells within us. Second, He gives us people in our churches to help guide us under His leadership. When we let God lead, pray, support and work together with the people He calls to positions of leadership, we will see God’s Kingdom grow and bear much fruit for Christ.

Apply - (2 1/2 minutes)
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Pray - (1 1/2 minutes)