Deuteronomy 31:1-6 – God is with and for us

Moses led a very eventful life. Interestingly, his name was derived from how he was rescued. He was drawn out of the water. This was the meaning of his name, “one who is drawn out.” This name so aptly described his life and ministry. He began life by being drawn out from the water of death to live the first 40 years as the prince of Egypt, in the palace of Pharoah. Then at age 40, he was drawn into the desert to be trained. For the next 40 years of his life, he was a shepherd looking after his father-in-law’s flock in the desert. Then at age 80, he had another experience of being drawn out. He was drawn by a burning bush to hear the call of God and was used to lead His people out of their bondage. In the last forty years of his life, there were at least eight other occasions he was drawn out to meet with God.

One of the hallmarks of Moses’ life was his faithfulness. Passionately, he had led and guided the people of Israel for the last 40 years of his life. God called him the meekest man on earth. Yet for all his passion, he was after all still a human and was subjected to the wear and tear of life. The last four chapters of Deuteronomy capture the closing years of his life. In Deuteronomy 31:1, he acknowledged his frailty. He was now 120 years old and not as mobile as he was before. He would love to have led the people into the promised land. But the grave error he had committed at the water of Meribah cost him the opportunity. Though he was not given the privilege to lead the people into the promised land, he remained proactive. He told the people to look forward to their future.

While Moses was the one leading them, he knew that he was only the servant God chose to use. He knew that all along God was their real leader and the one who had been leading and guiding them. In Deuteronomy 31:1-6, he pointed them to that truth. He wanted them to know that it was God who had led and guided them all these times. While they had looked to him for leadership and guidance, the person behind all their successes was God. He was their true leader. Therefore, they were in good hands. No matter how challenging their future, it was secured. The Lord would be the one leading them forward. Not only would He lead them, but He would also be with them to see them through their conquest of the land. He would be the one delivering their enemies, and not their own hand. Therefore they should take heart and be bold and courageous, for He would not forsake or fail them.   

Leaders come and go, but the one who is forever on the throne is God. He will never forsake us or fail us. The question we need to ask ourselves is, “Is He the one leading and guiding us?” If He is, our victory is already ensured. He had promised that He will be with us. Christ’s invitation to us in Matthew 11:28-30 remains open. He says to us, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Hear the assuring words of 1 Thessalonians 5:24 again, “Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.” Trust Him, follow Him, stay faithful to Him. He will never fail!