Encouraging
The setting of this scripture is that Moses knows his time for the earth is short. He shares with the people of Israel encouraging words, then he takes Joshua aside and shares with him the words in this scripture.
Moses goes on to write a song. Songs have a special place in scripture. They are a type of memorial, a remembrance of events.
Moses wanted the people to be encouraged and to remember his encouragement. It wasn't a second thought. It was a very important event in the effort of his ministry to mark down his encouragement for the people and their leaders.
In my life it is so easy to get very caught up in my day to day work. My wife is working hard and dealing with all sorts of details around our household. My children are working hard building up their future. And I am focused on my duties. Sometimes too focused.
Part of my duty as a leader is to encourage those around me. To lift them up and speak thoughtful and kind words to them. To share courage with them in their dark times. To dispel the demons of fear and doubt and insecurity with the strength of the leadership that the Lord has given me.
It is not that I withhold it from my family, church, friends, co-workers and acquaintances. I simply forget how important it is. Moses knew how he needed to share his encouragement with all those around him as he was getting to leave. I wonder if was as encouraging while he was with them? Was he overwhelmed with his responsibility? Did he lose sight of the need to lift up weary hands like Aaron and Her had done for him?
Our lives are so short. Scripture says its like a vapor, a blooming flower... here and gone. I want to use the short time that I have to tell my children how much I love them. To tell my wife how much I appreciate her and cherish her. To tell my church how blessed I am to be partaking in this journey with them. To tell my friends how much I love them. To tell them all to have courage. To not fear. To take strength in the knowledge of their Lord.
Thank you for the ability you've given me to encourage others. You put a song on my heart Lord and you help me to sing that song. Give me vision and strength for the future, but along the way remind me and help me to inspire and encourage those you have placed me around. Thank you for your heart for all of us. That you will never leave or forsake us.
Created about 2 years ago
