Into community

After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord spoke to Joshua…, Moses’ assistant, saying…: “Now proceed to cross the Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them….Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:1,2b, 9b)

What wonderful words. Moses had just died, and Joshua now gets the nod from God to lead his people into the promised land. Joshua steps up to the challenge and hears the promise that God is with him.

And what is Joshua’s task? Don’t go it alone. Don’t just get your own land and settle down to a nice life. First, help your sisters and brothers to that same kind of life in their new land. As you help the community, you will have real life, and be whole.

So it is today. God calls us into community. Walk humbly with others and you walk humbly with God. How is God asking you to be in community today? To speak up for women whose voices never seem to get heard? To be present with those in need? To teach English to a new immigrant?

Know that God is with you.

This message is adapted from a stewardship devotion written by Nancy J. Stelling for Women of the ELCA in 2001.