Scripture Reading — Deuteronomy 34:1-12

“And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him…” (Deuteronomy 34:9)

Jim remembers when he was a kid and his family moved a long way away from their church. The distance made it hard for his family to bring him to and from his favorite church activities during the week. A gentleman from church offered to bring Jim home whenever he needed a ride. This man was also a leader in the boys’ club that Jim had joined at the church. He remembers the life lessons that this man taught him along the way — while camping, working on different projects together, or just driving home. There were also other church members who did similar things for him.

Jim isn’t sure where he would be today if it weren’t for those people who invested in his life when he was younger. They literally changed his life and gave him something to aim for and imitate when he became an adult. Jim now gives back by being the same kind of role model to younger men in his church community. He knows how important community is!

Moses took Joshua under his wing and taught him about leading the people of Israel. In a few of the books of the Old Testament, there are stories about their interactions. After Moses died, Joshua was ready to take on the leadership that had been laid on him. That connection was important and prepared Joshua for his future. Positive community connections do the same for us. We need one another.

Prayer

Father, help us understand the importance of being a part of community for the benefit of those around us, and for us.  Amen.