Intro: For as long as I can remember, Deuteronomy has been my wife’s favorite book of the Old Testament. It is undoubtedly filled with profound moments in its second giving of the Law, if you will. But I would like to take just a moment to remind us of some profound words of encouragement that are found towards the end of Deuteronomy. They are from Deuteronomy 31:6-8:

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land that the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall put them in possession of it. It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” (Dt 31:6-8, ESV)

Why So Important?

• They are important because we creatures so easily underestimate God and overestimate fellow sinners.
• They are important becase God is with His people. Period. Don’t mistake ethnicity and nations and cultures for being God’s people. Whether you’re in Christ, that’s the issue–always.
• They are important because God goes before his people and does not quit on them.

Be encouraged, Christian pilgrim. God sees, God knows, God goes before you, and God is faithful to His covenant.