The Bible in a MonthSample

Day 5: Crossing Over, Starting Fresh

Reading: Deuteronomy 1–34 + Joshua 1–6

By now, the wilderness has become home. But the story of God has never been about wandering forever. It’s always been about going somewhere with Him... into promise, into purpose, into partnership. And in Deuteronomy, Moses gathers the next generation to make sure they’re ready.

This is Moses’ farewell tour. The people standing in front of him weren’t the same ones who walked through the Red Sea. Those folks died in the wilderness. These are their kids, the ones born in sand, raised on manna, and taught to follow a cloud. And before they step into new territory, Moses retells the whole story. Not because they forgot the facts, but because people forget the why.

Over and over, Moses says things like “remember” and “be careful.” Not to scare them, but to help them. Remember how God carried you. Remember how He fed you. Remember how the law wasn’t given to control you but to help you flourish. This is God saying, You’re not slaves anymore. So don’t live like it. You are my people. Walk like it, talk like it, love like it.

God’s law isn’t a list of hoops to jump through. It’s a framework for a whole new culture. One where the vulnerable are protected, the poor are provided for, and your neighbor’s life matters just as much as your own. This was a radical shift from Egypt, where power was hoarded and people were disposable. In God’s nation, justice is baked in, generosity is expected, and worship is a lifestyle.

Then Moses climbs a mountain, gets a glimpse of the land he won’t set foot in, blesses the tribes, and dies. And just like that, leadership passes to Joshua.

Joshua picks up the mantle and the mission: lead this new generation across the Jordan River and into the land God promised. Sounds straightforward... until you remember nations already occupy this land with armies and walls. But God says the same thing to Joshua that He’s been saying all along: “Be strong and courageous. I will be with you.”

And then it happens. The Jordan River parts just like the Red Sea did a generation earlier. Another miracle. Another reminder that God doesn’t just show up once. He keeps showing up.

Their first big challenge? Jericho. A walled city. Impenetrable. But God’s strategy isn’t a siege. It’s a silent parade. March around the city once a day for six days. On day seven, march seven times, blow the trumpets, shout, and watch what happens. And sure enough, the walls come down. Not because of military might, but because God keeps His promises, even when the plan makes no sense.

What does this portion of scripture tell us about God? He’s a Promise-Keeper who’s not bound by logic. He doesn’t just lead people out of bondage. He leads them into destiny. He prepares people for what He’s about to give them, and when the time comes, He doesn’t just say, “Go.” He says, “I’m going with you.”

Takeaway: When God invites you into something new, He’s not asking you to figure it all out. He’s asking you to trust Him enough to step into the unknown. Don’t just remember what He brought you out of. Believe in what He’s bringing you into.