As we are just about finished with the book of Deuteronomy, the Israelites are on their way to the Promise Land of Canaan. You will remember from Exodus that Moses did not get to step foot on the land because of His disobedience. So, before he dies, Moses commissions Joshua to be the new leader of Israel. I just love Joshua and his faith. It seems so simple and real. He was a real guy with real fears, yet he chose to believe God. The words that the Lord spoke over Joshua just always touch my heart and I think we can all glean some encouragement through them.

Deuteronomy 31:7-8

7 Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their forefathers to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. 8 The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Check out verse 8. “The LORD HIMSELF goes before you.” Did you catch that? The LORD Himself! Not the Lord’s messenger. Not the Lord’s substitute. The LORD HIMSELF!

He did, in fact, go before us…Jesus walked this earth over 2000 years ago. Before He died on the cross for our sins, Jesus experienced everything we do as humans. He knows what it is like to be us. He is Emmanuel-God with Us! The very creator of the universe empathizes with us and we can draw great strength in that.

God with US:

Not God who creates and leaves us to fend for ourselves .
For Us, not against us (Romans 8:31), He only wants the best for us .

The gospels give many accounts of Jesus interacting with Us (humans, his creation, disciples, Israelites, etc).

Jesus cried, needed diaper changes and nursed his mother’s breast just like any other baby.

Jesus walked with Us along the dusty country roads of Judea; he nursed blistered feet as he preached, healed, and gave hope.

Jesus danced and celebrated with Us at weddings, hoisting the bride and groom up on the wedding chairs. He also took part in the Mitzvah dance with the bride.

Jesus mourned with Us over His good friend, Lazarus lying dead in a tomb before He raised that friend back to life.

Take heart and know that the LORD knows the road ahead and He goes before you. That road might, at times, take sharp turns or unexpected detours, but it will always be traveled by your LORD first.