Use the Law to Succeed

 

    Moses was 120 years old when you gave his final speech to the Hebrew nation.  He had lived a full life.  He had seen and experienced things that most people can't even envision.  He trained his successor, Joshua, for years to make sure he had all the tools he needed to succeed.  When it was time for Moses to die, he was not afraid.  He showed that by encouraging his people to be courageous when they took what was theirs by the word of God.

    Moses wrote the law in detail to give to the Levites.  He trusted them to uphold the law according to God's design.  He trusted them to assemble the people every seven years to read the law in its entirety.   He understood that once the people spread that it would not be convenient or easy, but it had to be done.  He knew things would not be handled perfectly or without hitches along the way, but he had faith that the people would succeed as long as they followed God's law.

    God warned Moses that after he died that the people would rebel against Him.  God told Moses that when that happened that the nation would be hit with disaster.  God gave Moses a new song to teach the people with warning about the importance of the law.  

    Joshua had to be strong and brave to step into Moses' position.  He had been groomed in front of the people, so they would not question the transition.  I am sure he was highly respected already.  Plus, he had God with him.  He understood that people are rebellious and stubborn by nature.  

    Rebellion and being stubborn are characteristics that bring the darkness of evil.  If it is not kept in check it will bring a spiritual fall upon the individual, community, and nation.  The personal relationship with God goes beyond the law, but to keep the law is to succeed in the world you live in.

Deuteronomy 31