Attention, Citizens

If you have ever been to a school graduation ceremony, you likely sat through at least one speech. Most graduation speeches have two components. The first reflects back on shared years at the school: significant events, fun times, hard times, and what we learned. The second looks forward to the years to come, including advice as we start the next chapters of our lives.

The book of Deuteronomy in the Bible is kind of like a graduation speech given by Moses to the Israelites. Forty years earlier, God had delivered Israel from slavery in Egypt and made Moses their leader to bring them to the land God promised. But Israel rebelled against God, and so they were unable to enter the land for forty years. At the end of that forty-year chapter, Moses addresses the people as they prepare to move into the Promised Land.

Moses’ speech starts by remembering all that had happened since God brought them out of Egypt. The people had disobeyed God again and again, yet God had been faithful through it all. He delivered them from their enemies. He provided for their every need. He continued leading His people and had a plan through it all. God kept His promises.

Moses then looks forward. As the Israelites enter the Promised Land, he reads God’s law aloud and reminds everyone that when they trust and obey God, His blessings follow.

But Israel fell short again and again. Yet God is full of mercy, and He was even then working out a plan to save not just Israel but people from all nations. Hundreds of years after Moses, God sent Jesus to fulfill His good law and save the Israelites (and us) through His life, death, and resurrection.

No matter where we are in our lives, if we trust and obey God, we don’t have to fear what the next chapter of our lives might bring. Jesus has promised to be with us. He gave us hope and eternal life, and He has already written our future. • Abby Ciona

• How have you seen God working in your life in the past?

• As you think about the future, what are you looking forward to? What are you concerned about?

In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus encourages His followers and tells them that they don’t need to worry about the future. How is this possible? (Hint: read verse 33.)

The Lord your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast wilderness. These forty years the Lord your God has been with you, and you have not lacked anything. Deuteronomy 2:7 (NIV)

Read Verses:

Isaiah 2:1-5; 60:18-22; Luke 4:18-21; Revelation 21:1-4