In Joshua 1, God shows up to Joshua and declares, "Moses is dead." This was not news to Joshua. He had just buried Moses and mourned. So why would God tell Joshua something he already knew?

"Moses is dead" is God commanding Joshua to face his current painful reality, leave the past behind, and move forward into the new promises God has for him. Moses was great but he's gone. He's not coming back. It's time to stop trying to hold onto him. It's time to let go of grieving painful losses. It's time to take the funeral clothes off and walk into the future.

In the same way God would say to some of us: "____ is dead. It's time to move on. They may have been so significant, incredibly special and shaped a past season of your life. Therefore honor their memory and build upon their legacy. But don't live in the past. Don't get stuck in your pain, grief or disappointment. Face reality and start stepping into the good future I have for you. My promises still remain. My presence goes with you. My power is available. Take the funeral clothes off. Dress for vour future. Enter the Promised Land."

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Deuteronomy 34:5-9

“And Moses the servant of the Lord died there in Moab, as the Lord had said. He buried him in Moab, in the valley opposite Beth Peor, but to this day no one knows where his grave is. Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone. The Israelites grieved for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days, until the time of weeping and mourning was over. Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites listened to him and did what the Lord had commanded Moses.”

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Joshua 1:1-6

“After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them - to the Israelites. I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses...No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.”