28 Sept - Nitzavim Vayelech - "Today" Discussion led by Paula

In Deuteronomy 29, the word “today” is mentioned seven times, and it’s echoed with the same frequency in Deuteronomy 30. This repetition emphasizes the significance of “today,” this very moment. It serves as a powerful reminder, bringing the timeless truths of this ancient text into our present reality. Today matters profoundly, connecting us to the wisdom and lessons that resonate with our lives right now!

We are going to explore two significant themes: the crossing into the Promised Land, marking the beginning of a new cycle filled with change, and Moses’ crossing over to heaven, highlighting the importance of preparing both himself and those left behind for this transition to the next generation.

How do we prepare for these transitions? First, we need to know where we’re going and who will accompany us on this journey. We must also reflect on what we need to leave behind, ensuring we have closure. It’s essential to pass on what we have learned and hand over the baton to those who will follow.

As we consider our own journey, we ask ourselves: What will we take with us into the Promised Land? Where are we right now? Are we in the wilderness, being prepared for the Promised Land, or are we still in Egypt, getting ready to enter the wilderness? These are essentially our two options according to the text. So, where are we headed? What promises has He made to us? What does He have in store for us? Reflect on this in your own life.

What will I leave behind as I move forward? It’s essential to find closure from the past. Consider how you want to depart from your previous life—your relationships, your home, and the spaces you've inhabited. It’s time to confront the idols that hold us back. What fears or obstacles are bigger than our trust in God, preventing us from choosing life? For some, the journey through sickness can become an idol, leading to a cautious existence shaped by pain or the fear of future episodes.

We must also address the bitter roots that can defile many. It's crucial to identify and uproot those things in our lives that could hinder our progress. Maybe it's the bitterness festering in relationships that need mending—remember Hebrews 12:15. Let’s work to resolve those issues and clear the way for a healthier, more abundant future!

In preparing the next generation, Moses and Joshua serve as powerful examples of leadership transition. After a long process of training, we reach the pivotal moment when Moses publicly hands the baton to Joshua. But why is this commissioning so public? Perhaps it serves not just Joshua but the people and Moses himself. While there has been confidence in Moses, this moment confirms Joshua as the one who will lead, akin to Moses in this generation. The public nature of this commissioning, with its visual and audible elements, deeply embeds the transition within our consciousness, reinforcing our journey ahead. It's a culmination of Moses' headship being passed on to Joshua after a significant period of preparation.

Contrasting this with the succession after the prophet Samuel in 1 Samuel, we see Israel yearning for a king rather than embracing God’s chosen prophets. It’s a poignant reminder that sometimes we ask for worldly leadership instead of fully supporting God's appointed path for our journey.

God’s principle of laying on of hands emphasizes the importance of transferring responsibility and leadership. This moment is crucial for both community and individual experiences—a significant occasion in the passing of the baton. As we reflect on this, we must ask ourselves: Who are we training to take over from us?

Moses provides powerful reminders left for the people: he composes a song for them to learn and write down, ensuring it is preserved on a physical scroll next to the Ark as a witness. Additionally, he establishes a yearly practice of reading the Torah to the people every seven years, these serve as "tzitzit" in time—a tangible reminder to inform their faith.

Perhaps we need to recognize that simply, our life, is already contributing to a legacy. Imagine you die today, what has already been the impact of your life on the people around you and the next generation in our midst? Maybe the greatest gift we can leave is simply to be ourselves, fully embracing the life and character God has intended for us. We are all here on a mission, and it’s vital to pass that on, but maybe that mission is simply to allow the essence of our lives to spill out to all we are in comminuty with.

Despite our challenges, we often doubt our effectiveness, but if we have been living unto God, we are already passing along a baton. Even our struggles and how we navigate them can be powerful lessons for others. Remember, people are watching us, so never underestimate the influence you have by simply being authentically you!

Moses’ final exhortation resounds with urgency as he commands us in Deuteronomy 30 to **choose life**! He calls us to keep and guard His commands, to be attentive and obedient to His voice, all while recognizing that the journey won’t always be easy. We are urged to love and return to Him, to cling to Him and walk in His ways.

Moses reminds us that we are meant to **actually possess the land**! This isn't a daunting task; it’s within our reach. It’s near us, on our lips, and at our fingertips. We are primed and ready to embrace this calling, equipped to fulfill the purpose laid before us!

The promises God makes to us are significant: He will captivate us, reverse our exile, rejoice in us, cause us to live long in the land, be with us, gather us, circumcise our hearts, prosper us, and bring our children with us.

As we cross over, knowing where we’re going and closing off the past, we will move forward with joy and the baton passed on. We will cross over well!