“If we want things to stay as they are, things will have to change.” These words by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa – Italian writer – underline the inevitability of change however much we might try to avoid it! Problems with this aspect of life are compounded by the crucial element of time. Changes, especially arising from technology, are taking place at breathtaking speed. The first iPhone became available as recently as 2007, the same year as contactless cards. It was only a little earlier – November 1990 – that computers were first linked to form the internet, now indispensable alongside many other technologies.

Being Alerted

When Moses addressed the Children of Israel (Deuteronomy 31), he was announcing huge changes that they were about to face. Probably these were foreseen. Moses’ age (he was now 120) and the geographical proximity of the Promised Land hinted to things being different sooner or later. But the former situation suggested at least one other change on account of the fact that God had previously spoken with Moses face-to-face (Exodus 33:11) and it was through him that the Law had been given. So in three key areas – leadership, location and the Law – the Children of Israel were now alerted to what lay ahead.

God Is Aware

As our lives are full of changes, those words from God through Moses are relevant to ourselves. It is reassuring to know that God is aware of what we face when we have to negotiate change. These opening verses highlight ways in which God helps us.

First, God explained through Moses that he had already appointed a new leader. Joshua had been chosen and equipped by God (Deut 31:3, 7-8). This involved a necessary reminder that, although change often means we don’t know what the future will hold, God is never taken by surprise and is able to make provision for us. His sovereign reign and complete knowledge of all that takes place, the future as well as the past, means that his plans perfectly match all our 'unknowns'. God was aware of his people’s anxiety and so addressed them: “‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them…. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged’” (Deut 31:6-8). To this was added: “…for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deut 31:6, 8).

God Goes Ahead

A second element of God’s reassurance was by stating that he would be going ahead of them into the Promised Land: “…will cross over ahead of you…The LORD himself goes before you” (Deut 31:3, 8). The territory into which the Israelites were about to enter involved facing the daunting prospect of powerful and hostile people-groups. But God brought an unequivocal declaration: “He [the LORD] will destroy these nations before you, and you will take possession of their land…the LORD will do to them what he did to Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites, whom he destroyed along with their land” (Deut 31:3-4).

There was a third element about which God spoke. The instructions and declarations that he had brought to the Israelites for the past 40 years had been through Moses. With their leader’s imminent departure Moses was prompted to take specific action: “So Moses wrote down this law and gave it to the Levitical priests” (Deut 31:9). The absence of Moses would not result in God’s Law either being lost or misrepresented. Having been written down it could then be read out to succeeding generations and enable them to “learn to fear the LORD your God” (Deut 31:13).

This reassurance from God also applies to us in what we face. His presence, provision and promises to which this encouragement points are vital in our walk with him. What 'unknowns' are you having to contend with this week? God has already gone ahead of you!

Author: Stephen Bishop