Turning the Page: From Mourning to Movement
Scripture Focus: Deuteronomy 34 & Joshua 1
This breakdown walks us through one of the most pivotal transitions in the Bible—when Moses dies and Joshua rises. The shift from Deuteronomy 34 to Joshua 1 isn’t just about leadership; it’s about legacy, obedience, timing, and knowing when to grieve and when to get up and go. This message is for those standing at the edge of something new, still tender from what ended, but ready to possess what God has promised.
DEUTERONOMY 34
“The Final Glimpse, the Fulfilled Promise”
“Then the Lord said to him, ‘This is the land I promised… I have let you see it with your own eyes, but you will not cross into it.’” – Deuteronomy 34:4
Key Points:
Moses’ assignment was complete: Though he didn't enter the Promised Land, he fulfilled what God gave him to do—deliver the people to the edge of promise.
God keeps His Word: Moses still saw the land. God let him glimpse it, showing us that even in death, God fulfills what He says.
Grief has a boundary: Israel mourned Moses for 30 days—they honored the past, but they didn’t stay there.
Reflection Questions:
Am I grieving something God has already given me closure on?
Is there a “Moses” in my life (a past season, leader, or system) I’m still holding on to that God has transitioned me from?
JOSHUA 1:1–2
“The Chapter Turns, But God Remains”
“Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people…” – Joshua 1:2
Key Points:
God addresses reality head-on: “Moses is dead.” Not cold, but clear. Some of us need to stop rehearsing the last chapter and turn the page.
The word “ARISE” is not just about standing up—it’s about accepting the assignment.
Transition doesn’t cancel the promise: What God began with Moses continues through Joshua.
Reflection Questions:
What am I afraid to step into because I’m still honoring something that’s over?
Am I willing to be the one God uses next, or am I still waiting for someone else to do it?
JOSHUA 1:3–9
“The Command to Be Courageous”
“Be strong and courageous… I will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Joshua 1:5-6
Key Points:
God gives clear territory: “Every place your foot shall tread…” God already provided it—now it’s time to walk it out.
Courage is commanded: Four times in this chapter, God says “Be strong and courageous.” That means fear might show up, but obedience must still move.
Meditation on the Word is the anchor: We are told to speak, think, and obey the Word constantly.
Reflection Questions:
What’s the land (business, ministry, healing, decision) God already gave me, but I’m too afraid to walk into?
Am I feeding my fear or my faith?
JOSHUA 1:10–18
“Prepare, Possess, and Participate”
“Prepare your provisions, for within three days you will cross the Jordan...” – Joshua 1:11
Key Points:
Preparation comes before possession: God promised the land, but they still had to get their stuff ready. Faith without action is dead.
Help each other walk into promise: Some tribes were instructed to help their brothers possess their land before resting themselves. Unity and accountability matter.
God’s rest is available, but it’s on the other side of obedience.
Reflection Questions:
Have I been sitting on the promise, waiting for God to do everything while I do nothing?
How can I help someone else walk into what God has for them, too?
FINAL ACTIVATION:
From Mourning to Movement
God is saying to many of us what He said to Joshua: “Now then, you and all these people, get ready...”
You’ve mourned long enough. You’ve waited long enough. The promise still stands, and your feet have to move. Like Joshua, God isn’t asking for perfection. He’s asking for courage, obedience, and movement.
Journal Prompts:
What is my Jordan River right now, and what’s keeping me from crossing it?
What does being "strong and courageous" look like for me this week?
How has God prepared me for this next season, even if I feel unqualified?