October 16, 2021: ‘Arise and Go’

“Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel” (Josh. 1:2, NKJV).

The servant of God has died. Moses, who spoke to God as a friend, has perished. The Israelites’ leader, friend and loving intercessor would no longer be with them.

Even in the midst of loss or pain, God always has a plan. After Moses’ death, God said to Joshua, “Now therefore, arise ...” Arise is a difficult word when living in sadness, clueless about how to confront the challenges of life. However, God invites us to trust in Him and calls us to “arise.”

God continued, “... go over this Jordan, you and all this people ...” When we are struck with tragedy, we typically wait for the sadness to wane. We let ourselves grieve before resuming our responsibilities. Joshua doesn’t have a long time to grieve before being called into action. Reminded of God’s plan, he was given the charge to lead Israel “to the land which [God was] giving to [them].”

We may not be called to cross a literal river, but we are admonished to indeed “arise, and go over” our own personal Jordans, and to help others accomplish this too. Let us hold onto the beautiful promise found in Titus 2:13, as we wait for “the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (NKJV).

God, may we remember that Your promises are stronger than our circumstances. Push us to “arise and go!” Amen.

Luis M. Bernedo is the pastor of Hispanic Ministries for the Parkersburg church in West Virginia.