Know therefore today that he who goes over before you as a consuming fire is the LORD your God. He will destroy them and subdue them before you. So you shall drive them out and make them perish quickly, as the LORD has promised you.
Deuteronomy 9:3 (ESV)
Israel was camped on the east bank of the Jordan River, and Moses was giving his final address to the people. They were ready to cross the Jordan River and take possession of the land God had promised them.
But there was a problem. The people already there were stronger than the Israelites and lived in large, fortified cities. The challenge was great. In fact, it was beyond their ability.
However, Israel did not have to rely on its own strength and ability. Moses reminded them that God would be going over the Jordan before them. And he was a consuming fire. God would destroy and subdue the peoples of the land.
But Israel would have to do more than just sit back and watch and then move in. They would have to march off to war against these people. And as they did, God would drive them out. God was going to do great things for them. But only when they got involved and did their part. They would be co-laborers with God, working together with Him.
The God who brought Israel into the promised land and gave them the victory over stronger nations is the same God we serve today. And what Moses told Israel that day is just as true for us today. When God gives us a task to do, we can trust that he will go before us to ensure that we are successful.
But, just like Israel, we have to roll up our sleeves and get to work. God has chosen to work through his people. And if we do not do our part, we should not expect God to do it without us.
Whether as a church or an individual, listen for God’s leading, and then get to work. As you do, he will go before you and give you success.
