Reading 30 | The Bible in 100 Passages

Monday, October 13, 2025  

Today's Scripture
Deuteronomy 31:1–8

When Moses had finished speaking all these words to all Israel, he said to them: “I am now one hundred twenty years old. I am no longer able to get about, and the Lord has told me, ‘You shall not cross over this Jordan.’ The Lord your God himself will cross over before you. He will destroy these nations before you, and you shall dispossess them. Joshua also will cross over before you, as the Lord promised. The Lord will do to them as he did to Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites, and to their land, when he destroyed them. The Lord will give them over to you and you shall deal with them in full accord with the command that I have given to you. 6Be strong and bold; have no fear or dread of them, because it is the Lord your God who goes with you; he will not fail you or forsake you.” 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. It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” (NRSV)

Reflection

The Israelites are about to go through a big change. Their longtime leader, Moses, is being replaced with a new leader, Joshua. This type of change requires a tremendous amount of trust. Trust that the new leader is up to the job ahead of them. This trust works both ways. The new leader needs to trust that their followers will follow their lead, that they will be open to them and their ideas.

We, too, are going through a big transition, with Camille Cook Howe as our new senior pastor. And we, too, must trust that she is up to the job. Trust that the Pastor Nominating Committee has been wise in its discernment process.

In the short time Camille has been among us, I have been impressed by her openness to our ideas and our needs. In response, I feel we are called to be open to her ideas and needs. We need to trust in her ability to lead us, offering her our support and dedication, trusting that together we can weave a future for Fourth Church that is faithful and fulfilling.

Prayer

Dear Creator God, change can be challenging. It can be scary. It can also be exciting. May we trust in you and be open and optimistic to the change that is ahead for our church and our community. In Jesus’ name I offer this prayer. Amen.

Written by Ed Miller, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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