1:38Deuteronomy 1:38

The verse names Joshua the son of Nun, who stands before Moses, as the one who will go in thither into Canaan the promised land and cause Israel to inherit it, and it commands Moses to encourage him.Lt 106, 1897, par. 21–24+1 The adult army generation that came out of Egypt was refused entrance because they had not wholly followed the Lord, showing that the Lord's promises are upon condition of obedience.15MR 292.3+1 Their disobedience delayed Israel's entry for forty years, so that only two of the adults who left Egypt entered Canaan.Ms 65, 1906, par. 5

The chapter containing the verse is the Lord's words to be read whole and heeded for the admonition of those upon whom the ends of the world are come.20MR 111.2–112.2+1 Chapters 7 and 8 are to be read whole together with chapter 1.20MR 111.2–112.2 Everything is to be viewed in the light of the example of Christ, who is the truth and the true light, to be copied in self-denial and self-sacrifice unto perfection of character.20MR 111.2–112.2+1 That means following the Lord's guidance fully, rather than being guided up to a point by human judgment, opinion, and feeble human standards while holding fast to one's own ideas and living to please self.20MR 111.2–112.2+1

Learning the Lord's word and appreciating and obeying His voice with a submissive teachable spirit that asks whether a course is the will of the Lord is what makes a person fit to be connected with God's institutions and to lead in them.20MR 111.2–112.2