My dear man and I quietly celebrated 35 years of marriage recently. We celebrated with quiet appreciation to God for years that might not have been. We’re grateful for God’s mercy and the grace through which He’s taught us to accept and forgive.
In my annual attempt at a reading trek through the entire Bible, I am just finishing the last chapters of Deuteronomy. This book written by Moses is full of instructions and warnings, blessings and encouragement.
But at the end of this book, Moses revealed to the next generations of people who have been under his leadership and care that his life on earth was soon to be finished. And a new chapter, even a new book, would open with a new leader. All that had been promised would unfold in a new land for new generations.
“you must read this Book of Instruction to all the people of Israel when they assemble before the Lord your God at the place he chooses. Call them all together—men, women, children, and the foreigners living in your towns—so they may hear this Book of Instruction and learn to fear the Lord your God and carefully obey all the terms of these instructions.”
Deuteronomy 31:11-12 NLT
Interestingly, but probably not surprisingly, the preparation for the transition in leadership was culminated in a ceremony. A new leader was anointed and commissioned in front of the entire congregation. This would be critical to the establishment of order and a successful execution of the plan for a community to move forward.
Even more encouraging to me (as one who has a passion for words and writing and remembering) is that the books Moses had written under the direction of God Himself, were to be read aloud. It was a must. And not just for a select few nor for the elders and dignitaries. No!
The entire community of men, women and children were to gather before God and listen as the chapters of God’s amazing goodness were recited in their hearing. This was for all the people Moses had led whether resident or foreigner.
God would be exalted.
God would be glorified.
God would be recognized as the author of all the previous chapters, and He would be followed into the next as all would remember that God alone is the Promise Keeper.
I wonder. Are you in the middle of something?
Do you feel like there was a dream or a promise at one time, but can’t see how it could possibly come to fruition after all that’s taken place?
It might be a good time to get out pen and paper and remember all that God’s done for you. Or go back to His word starting in Genesis and read of His intricate love and care for His creation. Or just sit with Jesus and lament. Maybe it’s a good time to simply confess to Him all your disappointment.
God has written your chapters and He knows where you are (right now) within the full story of your life. Trust Him if you can. And if you aren’t sure you can trust Him, tell Him that.
It’s all part of your story. Every chapter will bring you through to the fullness of God’s promises.
Eyes on Jesus and Shine,
Lisa
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I set my timer for five minutes and wrote my pondering thoughts about the one word {chapter}. I’ve joined my writing to the fabulous writings of other faith writers over at the Five Minute Friday link up. Thank you Kate Motaung for sponsoring this weekly writing challenge.
Agreed! I don’t think she would agree.🧡🌸💜
I’m sure Barb would not agree with you, dear Andrew. x
Thank you, Lisa. This is a very encouraging post. At the moment I’m studying Joshua and he did just that – when they reached the promised land he gathered everyone as written and read to them the whole law that God had given to Moses. 😀 Dawn #25
She could have done a whole lot better,
she could have wed a better man,
and not now be slave to fetters
of cancer’s red-hot frying pan.
She could have lived her vital dreams,
a Harley ‘cross Cont’nent Divide
instead of hearing brittle screams
of a man with deepest hell inside,
and I’m sorry every day
for that which my dear wife has lost,
and I would so gladly pay
whatever might now be the cost
that she wake from all these days of death,
and in new future draw first breath.