Monday 21 November 2022
- Bible Book:
- Deuteronomy
Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel: 'Be strong and bold, for you are the one who will go with this people into the land that the Lord has sworn to their ancestors to give them; and you will put them in possession of it.' {v. 7)
Background
I am not a daily diary keeper but I am an occasional journal writer. I do not have the discipline, dedication or even an interesting enough life to keep a daily diary of what I have done or where I have been. If I did, it would consist mainly of taking the dog for a walk and what I have made to eat!
A journal though is something I maintain for those times when I am exploring difficulties or triumphs, when I am thinking something through or exploring new ideas and, occasionally, when I feel moved to express myself more poetically. My journal has now covered several decades, and I sometimes sit down and read through sections of it. I don’t know what others would make of it, but I find it stirs memories and allows me to reflect on where I have journeyed since I wrote a particular section.
(Perhaps, in years to come, it will be acclaimed a literary masterpiece, but I doubt that very much!)
Today we read that Moses is facing the end of his life and finally writes down all the Law – the commands he has received from God. He leaves instructions for the people to hear the commands every seven years so that they remember that God is with them and will lead them and they can consider their role in that relationship. Their children will learn the Law and so learn about God and foreigners will be reminded of God in their presence.
In this way the people will be encouraged to remember God and will be able to look back and see what God has done for them. They will be able to renew their relationship with God for the onward journey as people of God.
To Ponder:
- How useful do you find it to record your thinking and reflection?
- How does looking back at past events help you in your everyday life?
Prayer
Lord, your Word is our guide, help us to listen for you, learn from what has been, and live our lives wisely in your presence. Amen.