As we get near the end of the book of Deuteronomy, it becomes apparent that it was now time for the people to finally enter the Promised Land. It was also obvious that Moses was not going to let them into it. Therefore, a new leader was required, and again, the obvious choice was Joshua, who had faithfully served God and Moses the whole time, never doubting God's ability. So Moses calls him forward to give him the charge, knowing that it would not be any easier getting the people into the land than it was getting them out of Egypt. Just as Israel had been ensnared in Egypt, many nations and peoples were entrenched in the land Israel was to occupy. It would be very tempting to just stay where they were. After all, God had faithfully provided food and water, safety and peace. Why take the risk of losing it all, even their lives?
Deuteronomy 31:7 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. 8 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.”
Why proceed? It was God's plan. His presence was no longer to hover over them in the camp; He was going to lead them forward. God was in their future, not just their past. Moses makes the same promise here we saw the other day, which the writer of Hebrews repeats near the end of his sermon: God will never leave or forsake His people when they are moving forward doing what He has called them to do. That same promise holds true today. To not step out in faith is to remove oneself from that promise.
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