Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from Deuteronomy chapter 34.

“Now Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which is opposite Jericho.  And the LORD showed him all the land, Gilead as far as Dan, and all Naphtali and the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, and all the land of Judah as far as the western sea, and the Negev and the plain in the valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees, as far as Zoar.  Then the LORD said to him, “This is the land which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, ‘I will give it to your descendants’;  I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not go over there.”  So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD.  And He buried him in the valley in the land of Moab, opposite Beth-peor;  but no man knows his burial place to this day.  Although Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died, his eye was not dim, nor his vigor abated.  So the sons of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days;  then the days of weeping and mourning for Moses came to an end.

Now Joshua the son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him;  and the sons of Israel listened to him and did as the LORD had commanded Moses.  Since that time no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face, for all the signs and wonders which the LORD sent him to perform in the land of Egypt against Pharaoh, all his servants, and all his land, and for all the mighty power and for all the great terror which Moses performed in the sight of all Israel.  Deuteronomy chapter 34.

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Even as great as Moses was, our focus is on God.  What did God do?  What are His great works?  What are God’s promises for us today?

In today’s Scripture, we see that God promised this land flowing with milk and honey to Abraham and his descendants.  We see that God sent Moses to perform signs and wonders in the land of Egypt against Pharaoh, all his servants, and all his land, and for all the mighty power and for all the great terror which Moses performed in the sight of all Israel.  We see that God raised up Joshua to lead Israel after Moses’ death.

Like Israel, we may weep and mourn when there is a change in our spiritual leaders.  But, God will provide others to lead us.  More generally, we may experience other changes to our condition such as where we live and where we are employed and such as changes to our physical and mental condition.  But, God will continue to provide for us.  God continues to be Almighty God and our Faithful Father Who will always and fully take care of us.

Continue the following from the Heidelberg Catechism.

Q. 26.  What believest thou when thou sayest, “I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth”?

A.  That the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (who of nothing made heaven and earth, with all that is in them;  who likewise upholds and governs the same by His eternal counsel and providence) is, for the sake of Christ His Son, my God and my Father;  on whom I rely so entirely, that I have no doubt but He will provide me with all things necessary for soul and body;  and further, that He will make whatever evils He sends upon me, in this valley of tears, turn out to my advantage;  for He is able to do it, being Almighty God, and willing, being a faithful Father.

“Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous!  Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”  Joshua 1:9.