It's amazing to realize that God uses individuals to accomplish His plan, but He never is dependent upon those individuals. In other words, God chose Moses... God used Moses... but God was able to use someone else to replace Moses.
Yesterday we read about the danger of idolatry as the Israelites sang and danced around the golden calf. Now it's forty years later, and Moses has successfully led them through the desert. By God's power, Moses brought water from the rock, and led them to places of food and water throughout their journey. But now Moses has died, and the people have yet to enter the Promised Land. Had the people finally learned to trust God to lead them?
It's no wonder that God has to tell Joshua to "be strong and courageous!" (In fact, God tells Joshua this three times, and just in case it didn't sink in, the people remind of that command one more time in verse 18!)
The lesson for the people (and for Joshua) is that they weren't following Moses, they were following the God who was leading Moses. We must be careful never to put people in the place that only belongs to God--whether it's a pastor, a television preacher, or even a parent or grandparent. When we follow a leader, we must continually be certain that we're really following The Leader.
Lord, I would clasp Thy hand in mine,
Nor ever murmur nor repine,
Content, whatever lot I see,
Since 'tis my God that leadeth me.
He leadeth me; He leadeth me.
By His own hand He leadeth me.
His faithful foll'wer I would be,
For by His hand He leadeth me.
Nor ever murmur nor repine,
Content, whatever lot I see,
Since 'tis my God that leadeth me.
He leadeth me; He leadeth me.
By His own hand He leadeth me.
His faithful foll'wer I would be,
For by His hand He leadeth me.
- Joseph H. Gilmore
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