December 22, 2025 WEST

This powerful session takes us through Deuteronomy 31-32, where we witness Moses at the threshold of his life's final chapter, unable to cross into the Promised Land but faithful to prepare the next generation. The central message pierces through time: the leaders who guide us through the wilderness are not always the ones who lead us into our promises. We're challenged to examine whether we're following human leadership or the voice of God Himself, who goes before us, beside us, and within us simultaneously. The sobering reality that Moses—after a lifetime of faithful service—couldn't enter the Promised Land because he failed to demonstrate God's holiness reminds us that the promise isn't a destination or achievement, but intimacy with God Himself. We're called to stop seeking arrival and start seeking His face, recognizing that strong leadership knows when to hand the baton to the next generation. The Book of Esther reinforces this through Mordecai's example of faithful support, showing us that true ministry success means lifting others up rather than building our own platforms. We're confronted with the question: are we making ourselves the main character, or is God? The Proverbs reading cuts through our excuses—yes, there may be a lion outside, but God has already gone before us. Our disobedience creates ripples just as our obedience does, and we cannot allow fear or laziness to keep us from the assignments God has placed before us.