“NEVER WILL I LEAVE YOU;
NEVER WILL I FORSAKE YOU.” Hebrews 13, Deuteronomy 31:6, 8
GOD IS FAITHFUL!
The words quoted by the writer of Hebrews were originally written by Moses in the book of Deuteronomy. Some 1460 years later these same words were rewritten for the New Testament Church. The Word of God is still as relevant today, despite the efforts of many to erase parts of it, even within the church.
31 For the Lord your God is a merciful God; HE WILL NOT ABANDON OR DESTROY YOU OR FORGET THE COVENANT with your ancestors, which he confirmed to them by oath. Deuteronomy 4
We have a better Covenant today through the blood of Christ, but God confirmed His Covenant with His people Israel by His oath, which He will never fail to keep. Moses spoke these words of encouragement to Israel, to tell them that even when THEY HAD ABANDONED GOD, they could still turn back to Him in repentance and He would receive them. Similar to Jesus’ parable of the Prodigal Son returning to his father after wondering so far away. Luke 15
2 ‘Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the River Jordan into the land I am about to give to them – to the Israelites. 3 I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. … 5 No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU. 6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. Joshua 1
God spoke directly to Joshua after the death of Moses. After forty years of delay God was about to bring His children into their inheritance. They’d followed the God of their forefathers for a long time, through many trials and God was at last releasing their inheritance to them. He promised Joshua that He would be with him and never leave him in all the battles that lay ahead. God’s people will face much opposition in the days ahead as the power of the enemy is taken back in this world. His Promise to us is still the same, ‘HE IS WITH US AND WON’T FORSAKE US’.
‘LET US GO ON! (with the Lord) TO COMPLETENESS AND MATURITY’. Hebrews 6:1
Bible teacher and Christian author Derek Prince has these three words on his gravestone in Jerusalem, ‘GOD IS FAITHFUL’. This was his simple message for posterity, to future generations, pointing people to the God he knew and served so well. Beware of people, even church leaders, who talk more about themselves and less about God, who alone is Head of the Church.
May the Lord bless and keep you today. Immanuel, God is with us.