Deuteronomy 1:30-31

In the opening chapter of Deuteronomy, Moses reminds the people of their history. The journey from the Nile river to the promised land of Canaan took less than two weeks. When they arrived in Kadesh-barnea, just south of the border with Canaan, Moses encouraged them to enter the land that God had promised to give them. But the people were cautious. They suggested spies should be sent in, to find out whether it was safe to proceed. When the 12 spies returned, most focused on the problems. They reported that the inhabitants of the promised land were taller and more powerful than they were, and their towns and walls were enormous. They even said they had seen giants. This was enough to scare the Israelites, who suggested it would be better to head back to slavery in Egypt. The fact that two of the spies, Joshua and Caleb, gave a very positive report did nothing to calm their nerves.

God responded angrily. The spies’ report was based on 40 days in the promised land, and so God punished them with 40 years in the wilderness. They had to wait for a new generation to arise, and only Joshua and Caleb were permitted to enter into Canaan. Even Moses himself was not allowed to enter it.

The message of Moses’ sermon is that God can be trusted completely. He goes in front of us, preparing the way and, so, there is no need to be anxious. He cares for us in just the same way as a father cares for his children. We don’t need to investigate every aspect of the future. We can simply trust ourselves to him.

QUESTION

As you think of your own future are you convinced that God can be trusted to lead you in the right way?

PRAYER

Loving God, thank you that you promise to be with me every moment, whatever the future holds. Help me to place my complete confidence in you. Amen