I have learned to approach God's word with the full expectation that I am going to hear Him speak to me. I don't want to leave you with the impression that every single morning I am blown away by some new insight or revelation. That does happen, but it's not every day. However, I DO want to leave you with the impression that I am awe-struck almost daily at the wonder of God's Word and how He is a God who continually speaks, and if I ask Him for ears to hear – He gladly answers that prayer. Every. Time. Make no mistake – He is a God who not only speaks, but he wants to be heard! I so hope you are in His Word every day!!
I finally finished Deuteronomy and was excited to get started in Joshua this morning. You may or may not be surprised that I didn't make it past the second verse in chapter one.
"After the death of Moses, the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses' aide: "Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan into the land I am about to give to them…" (Joshua 1:1-2)
Keep in mind that Joshua had been by Moses' side for years and had seen many miracles and witnessed first-hand the intimate relationship Moses had with God. But that's not what resonated with me deeply this morning. I remembered a verse in the last chapter of Deuteronomy that I read a few days prior –
"The Israelites grieved for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days, until the time of weeping and mourning was over." (Deuteronomy 34:8)
Joshua was close to Moses, and undoubtedly, he loved him deeply. I can only imagine how many tears Joshua shed over his dear friend and lifetime mentor and teacher.
If I may, let me simply get to the point -
There is life after death.
Yes, eternal life for those who die knowing Christ AND life after death for those with breath still in their lungs.
Joshua grieved the loss of Moses, and God acknowledged his loss. When we read the first words God spoke to Joshua, they may sound a bit harsh – "Moses my servant is dead." I assure you, God wasn't being insensitive. As we study the Scriptures, we discover a God who cares deeply for His own. We read in the Psalms that He sees our tears, and He draws near to the brokenhearted. Jesus promised comfort to those who mourn. Our God is present in every loss and every heartbreak we will ever encounter.
With all of that in mind, don't miss what God says to Joshua in those few words –
"Moses my servant is dead. NOW THEN…"
You see, Joshua still had breath in his lungs, and God still had a purpose. Joshua was entering a new season of life… a NOW THEN season. If you are familiar with the book of Joshua, then you know that Joshua led the Israelites into the Promised Land - God's purpose was fulfilled through Joshua because he willingly stepped into his "now then" season.
(If you have the time, I highly encourage you to read the first chapter and notice how many times God encouraged Joshua to be strong and courageous because He would be with him. It never gets old!)
Maybe today, you could use the reminder…
that God sees your tears,
that if you are brokenhearted, He is near.
He sees your season of grief and
that He will bring you comfort.
Maybe you also need a reminder that…
Your season of NOW THEN is coming.
Are you breathing? Then let me remind you that God still has a purpose for YOU. God's purpose continues throughout all generations, and since you and I are still breathing today, He will accomplish His purpose through us.
We will have seasons of grief, and they will be followed by NOW THEN seasons of renewal, purpose, passion, and yes, JOY.
If you are in a season of grief, I want to encourage you to grieve well. Remember to sow in your tears, and you will reap songs of joy (Psalm 126:5-6). Be brave enough to ask the Lord to prepare your heart for your NOW THEN season. He's is near to you, and He will gently and compassionately lead you on in His purpose.