ALPHA MAAMA (A.M.)

 MONITE MA’ASI 9, 2026

TEUTALONOME 30-31; ‘AISEA 40:28-31

Strength for the believer is not an independent accomplishment but rather the result of the presence and power of God.

Ko e ivi ki he tokotaha tui, ‘oku ‘ikai ko ha me’a na’a ne ngaue’i ‘iate ia pe, ka ko e ola ‘o e ivi mo e lotolotonga ‘o e ‘Otua.

Though the life, ministry, and leadership of Moses comes to an end, God does not leave his children leaderless. He raises up leader after leader, until the train of God-appointed leaders culminates with the Messiah, Jesus Christ. As you work your way through the Old Testament, you encounter three kinds of leaders God raises up and through whom he guides his children. Leading Israel are prophets, priests, and kings. These three offices would be fulfilled by Jesus, who is the final and eternal prophet, priest, and king for the children of God.

At the end of Deuteronomy, God's people are in a significant moment of transition. They are preparing to enter the promised land - but without Moses. Who will fill the vacuum that Moses leaves behind? What kind of man will be able to deal with the grumbling, complaining, fearful, God-doubting, and often rebellious Israelites? Who will be able to handle the internal trouble in the Israelite camp, while at the same time leading them to conquer the nations that inhabit the promised land? Who can do this with hope and courage?

God appoints Joshua as the next leader of the Israelite children, but not because Joshua is a giant among men. God does not employ people in his work because they are able, but because he is infinitely able. Listen to the words that accompany Joshua's calling:

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." (Deut. 31:7-8)

It is clear that God doesn't choose Joshua because he is independent, strong, and capable. Then why can Moses say to Joshua, "Be strong and courageous"? Here is why: Moses understands the promises, resources, and power of the Lord. God never sends his children to do a task without going with them. When God sends his children, he doesn't leave his promises behind. When God sends his children to do his work, he empowers them to do the work he has called them to do. When God sends his children, he never turns his back on them or leaves them to the small resources of their own strength. God's children can go forward fearlessly, doing what God has called them to do, for one reason only: he is with them in his glorious presence and power.

The promises of God's presence and power are fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who took on flesh and exercised his power to do what we never could have done on our own-that is, defeat the enemies of sin and death. Remember: as you do what God calls you to do, you are never alone.