The life of Moses was nearing an end. Israel would have to move forward without him. At such a time, Moses assured them that God Himself would go before them across the Jordan River. Yet God also knew they would require some tangible reminders of their national identity as His people. To answer this need, He provided three helps here in Deuteronomy 31. One was Joshua, the leader who was inaugurated in Moses’ stead. Repeatedly Joshua was reminded to be strong and courageous as he led the people into the land of promise, for the Lord was with him (Dt. 31:7, 14, 23).

Second, God gave Moses a song to teach the people: “Put it in their mouths,” said the Lord, so they would remember God’s covenant even in days of failure (vv. 19–22). The words of that song are preserved for us in the next chapter, declaring the name of Jehovah as the Rock. And the third source of help was the Book of the Law, a written record of all the precepts God had given them. This book was committed to the care of the priests, who were exhorted to read it regularly in the hearing of the people (vv. 9–13, 24–26).

A person, a song, and a book: what lovely resources! Certainly we have their heavenly corollaries today. Our greater Joshua, the risen Christ, has brought us into every spiritual blessing; we have a new song which only the redeemed can sing; and the living Word of God works effectively in our hearts. We should take note, too, of the practical importance of these things in an earthly sense. Do we have people in our lives who lead by example through strong, courageous faith? What songs are influencing our thoughts, and what are we reading? Let us be sure to have a person, a song, and a book that will help us move forward on our heavenly road.