ROOTED - Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Deuteronomy 31:23
14 And the Lord commissioned Joshua the son of Nun and said, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall bring the people of Israel into the land that I swore to give them. I will be with you.”

Reflection: Ash Wednesday/Lent/Dedication
Written By: Pastor Jesse Caro 
In our reading, Moses has now finished the retelling of the Law to the people. He has informed them that God has said Moses will not go to the Promised Land. Joshua will lead the people moving forward. The last things that God has told the people through Moses has been harsh. “You will forsake me and whore after other gods,” the Lord says. Along with this God has foretold of the judgments that they will receive for their unfaithfulness. However, Joshua seems to be a bit different. He seems to be a leader that will be faithful to the Lord, and he is dedicated to the work of God here in Deuteronomy 31. 
This reminds me a bit of how I feel on Ash Wednesday. I feel like it is a commitment day. It is a day in which I stare down the road of a forty-day time frame… a road of recommitment to Christ and his ways. Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent, culminating at the cross, and finding its climax at the empty tomb. This is, indeed, forty days of contemplation, dedication and recommitment.
The Invitation to the observance of Lenten Discipline (in the Book of Worship) invites the church to, “observe a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God’s Holy Word.” This is the holy commission for us as we enter into the Promised Land of God’s blessing… to live a life where God can be, and is, with us.

Prayer
Lord, may we be dedicated to your life and work in us this Lenten season. Work in and through us the purposes of God until the day you return. Bless us these next days of Lent.