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Matt Rogers
This is an I Heart podcast.
Narrator (Paul Coltofianu)
Guaranteed human.
Character Voices (e.g., Moses, Joshua, Sean Duffy)
As a listener of the Chosen People podcast, you know the power of God's Word. For Christians in more than 70 nations, access to the Bible is limited or even restricted. More than 850,000 Christians need Bibles right now. Through the Voice of the Martyrs Network of Frontline Workers, you have the opportunity to help place a Bible in the hands of every Christian in a hostile area or restricted nation. These workers are willing to risk arrest, imprisonment, beatings and even death to get Bibles to Christians who might never receive them otherwise. We know them by name and you can help learn more about VOM's Bible distribution at vom.org chosenbible Today, our brothers and sisters are asking for Bibles. You can help provide them by visiting vom.org chosenbible now.
Narrator (Paul Coltofianu)
Previously on the Chosen People.
Character Voices (e.g., Moses, Joshua, Sean Duffy)
I did not tell you this enough, Hoshea, but I am grateful for you. I've not known loyalty like yours. Thank you, Moses. I don't know what to say. You've been like a father to me, Hoshea. If you accept, I will give you a new name. A name to give you strength in our promised land. A name to remind you where your true strength lies in the face of whatever comes. I name you Joshua. Yahweh is salvation. Let this name remind you, no matter the danger or uncertainty, that salvation is found only in the Lord. The Lord does not fail, does not falter, and does not abandon his promises. May our God protect you and guide your steps, granting you wisdom, courage above all else. Joshua, do you accept this new name, your new calling, and this mission? How much longer until we take the promised land? Are we ready? Are we ready? Are they ready to take up the land they've been promised? Will any of us ever truly be ready?
Matt Rogers
Click the link in the description to grow closer to God. There you'll find daily prayers, Bible plans, sleep stories, and so much more, all on the Pray.com app. Click the link in the description to get started.
Advertiser/Commercial Voice
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Matt Rogers
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Narrator (Paul Coltofianu)
Warmth was returning to the breeze, and Moses leaned heavily on his staff, letting its touch soothe his face. Feeling restless, he walked beyond the camp to stretch his legs and calm his nerves. Spring was coming. A signal of change and a new beginning. He had watched Eleazar and the priests handle the census, efficiently calculating tribal allotments for the promised land. The competence of the new generation impressed him. They hardly needed him now. Moses found that unbidden, as if drawn by some force, his gaze kept returning to the mountaintop that loomed before their camp. It was the mount that stood between their camp and the land of Canaan. Mount Nebo.
Character Voices (e.g., Moses, Joshua, Sean Duffy)
Is it time, Lord? Have I done enough?
Narrator (Paul Coltofianu)
The warm breeze of the morning again tickled Moses face. He closed his eyes, leaned into its touch again, and waited for the Lord's response.
Character Voices (e.g., Moses, Joshua, Sean Duffy)
Yes. Yes. The time is drawing near, Moses.
Narrator (Paul Coltofianu)
The confirmation hit him like a wave. And with it came relief. Not quite acceptance, but at least the suspense of waiting had been lifted. With his eyes still closed, Moses took a deep breath and finally asked the question that had long tugged at his heart. Yet he had never been brave enough to utter aloud.
Character Voices (e.g., Moses, Joshua, Sean Duffy)
Can I. Can I see it first? Yes.
Narrator (Paul Coltofianu)
Relief bloomed into something akin to hope in Moses heart. He would set his eyes on the culmination of his life's mission. Before he passed from this mortal life, he would see the promised land.
Character Voices (e.g., Moses, Joshua, Sean Duffy)
You will go up to the mountain range, to the mount called Nabo. And from there you will see the land I have given to the children of Israel. After you have seen it, you will be gathered to your people as Aaron was. You will not enter because of your rebellion at Kadesh, but you will see it. You will see the land I have given the Israelites to your people, for they have always been your people, as I have always been your God.
Narrator (Paul Coltofianu)
There was something in the certainty and finality of the Lord's words that transformed the hope in Moses heart into the fruition of true acceptance. Somewhere along the way, Moses had started to mistake his mission for his identity. Because it was so tied up with his mission, he started to wonder if he only held value to the people as their leader. He even wondered the same about God. If he was no longer useful to anyone and he had failed at his mission, what did that say of his value? Why was he still living if he had outlived his purpose? But no. Just as he had been drawn out of the water and chosen all those years ago, he realized that had never stopped being true. He had been chosen. And not for anything he had done or would do. He was the Lord's. And the Lord had been there all along. Long before he asked Moses to save his people. God saved him. And what was more was that he had promised to be with him back on that first day in the fire. And it was just as true today. Moses had just lost sight of the truth. God asked Moses to save his people, not become their savior. Though it had taken a lifetime for him to believe it, he had become one of them at last. Who he was was quite simple. After all, he belonged to God. Moved by gratitude and compassion, Moses once more interceded for the people he loved to the God who loved them even more. Moses called on God's name, one that spoke to his intimate, discerning nature.
Character Voices (e.g., Moses, Joshua, Sean Duffy)
You are the God of the spirits of all flesh. The God who gives breath to all and understands all people. My people will find themselves in rebellion again. They will surely fail. And Folder please appoint them a leader. Appoint them a leader who will understand their shortcomings and lead with a steady, faithful hand. One who, like your nature, knows the people according to their spirit. Someone who will go out before them so your people won't be like sheep without a shepherd.
Narrator (Paul Coltofianu)
Moses again felt the comforting breeze and an unspoken affirmation in his heart. He also knew the name of who this leader should be, even before the Lord spoke.
Character Voices (e.g., Moses, Joshua, Sean Duffy)
Joshua. Joshua, son of Nun.
Narrator (Paul Coltofianu)
Of course, it had to be Joshua. There was no other.
Character Voices (e.g., Moses, Joshua, Sean Duffy)
You will take Joshua before all the people. He will be standing before Eleazar, my high priest, and you will lay your hands upon him. And he too will possess my spirit to guide him. You will commission him before the people. All of Israel will see that your authority has been passed to him, and they will obey him.
Narrator (Paul Coltofianu)
Moses beamed. Perhaps he had always known, or known on some level, that he had been preparing him for a time such as this.
Advertiser/Commercial Voice
Let's talk about modern home shopping. It's sort of become a fun side hobby, right? Scrolling listings at night, dreaming about kitchens you've never seen or backyards you haven't even stepped foot in. All from the comforts of pretty much anywhere. Redfin knows a lot of people like you want to own but are stuck in this browsing mode loop. That's where Redfin flips the script. With listings that update within minutes and tours you can book right from the Redfin app. You can see your dream home the moment it appears. Now, liking a listing is easy, but actually landing it? That's where Redfin comes in. Redfin has over 2200 agents with local expertise, and Redfin agents close twice as many deals as other agents. That means they want to help you win, not just window shop. Redfin is built to help you go from just looking to wait. This could actually be home. So become the newest neighbor on the block. Visit redfin.com to start finding and start owning. That's redfin.com this is Matt Rogers from
Matt Rogers
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Character Voices (e.g., Moses, Joshua, Sean Duffy)
Imagine that.
Advertiser/Commercial Voice
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Narrator (Paul Coltofianu)
Joshua received Moses summons around midday and hurried to his tent. When he entered, he found Moses alone and standing peacefully at attention. Joshua knew Moses better than he had ever known either of his parents, having served him for more than half his life. But he found Moses expression inscrutable, absolutely unreadable. He was pleased about something, but something more complex lurked under the surface.
Character Voices (e.g., Moses, Joshua, Sean Duffy)
Joshua, my son, please come in and sit.
Narrator (Paul Coltofianu)
Joshua sat where Moses gestured and waited patiently for Moses to sit across the low table. Moses did not join him, but instead served him wine and bread. Joshua did not quite know what to make of this formal gesture. Joshua made to stand and help him.
Character Voices (e.g., Moses, Joshua, Sean Duffy)
Please, Moses, let me help you.
Narrator (Paul Coltofianu)
Moses held out his hand and stopped him no.
Character Voices (e.g., Moses, Joshua, Sean Duffy)
Allow me.
Narrator (Paul Coltofianu)
Feeling rather awkward, Joshua waited while his 120 year old master, the leader of the nation of Israel, served him a simple meal.
Character Voices (e.g., Moses, Joshua, Sean Duffy)
There is a story passed down from Abraham that the high priest and king of Salem once served wine and bread to Abraham. Can you imagine a king serving a wandering sheepherder a meal? But I suppose that's true leadership, isn't it? Serving.
Narrator (Paul Coltofianu)
When Moses was done serving the food, he. He sat across from him, lifted his cup and gestured for Joshua to do the same to you.
Character Voices (e.g., Moses, Joshua, Sean Duffy)
Joshua, thank you for your faithfulness. You have remained steadfast and loyal all these years. Stewarding the small tasks I gave you as well as the vast. Thank you, Moses. You've been kind to me.
Matt Rogers
Me?
Character Voices (e.g., Moses, Joshua, Sean Duffy)
It's an honor to serve you and the Lord.
Narrator (Paul Coltofianu)
Moses inclined his head and both men drank. Moses was quiet for a moment. He clearly had more to say, but was unsure of how to say it. Joshua patiently waited.
Character Voices (e.g., Moses, Joshua, Sean Duffy)
I have something to tell you, Joshua. Two things actually. Well, now that I've come to it, I. I'm not sure how to begin. It's all right, Lord.
Narrator (Paul Coltofianu)
Moses.
Character Voices (e.g., Moses, Joshua, Sean Duffy)
I will hear anything you want to tell me. I know you will. Joshua. Do you remember the day the Lord brought water out of the rock at Kadesh?
Narrator (Paul Coltofianu)
Joshua's heart hammered. In his chest. A memory flared, urgent and persistent. The prophecy. Though he had tried to forget the words countless times and bury them deep under the depths of denial, the words from the prophecy from almost 40 years ago rang in his mind. A prophet had told him that he would lead the nation one day. Although Joshua paid little heed to the thought, he was too fiercely and presently devoted to Moses. Nor was Joshua a man driven by personal ambition for status. Joshua realized Moses was waiting for his acknowledgment. Breathless, he answered him.
Character Voices (e.g., Moses, Joshua, Sean Duffy)
Yes. I remember. I. I disobeyed the Lord that day. I rebelled against our God. And because of this rebellion, I am not permitted to enter the promised land.
Narrator (Paul Coltofianu)
Even as he said the words, Joshua realized the weight of what had been spoken to him. What he had known. What he had always known, but refused to accept. His face must have betrayed that truth because. Moses leaned over the table and peered deep into his eyes, searching.
Character Voices (e.g., Moses, Joshua, Sean Duffy)
You knew
Advertiser/Commercial Voice
How?
Character Voices (e.g., Moses, Joshua, Sean Duffy)
It doesn't matter.
Narrator (Paul Coltofianu)
Relief flooded through Joshua. He didn't know how he would explain what he knew anyway. But then the gravity of Moses words hit him. He could not fathom the grief and devastation weighing on his Moses. He finally found his voice again and reached across the table to grasp Moses hand.
Character Voices (e.g., Moses, Joshua, Sean Duffy)
I am so sorry, Moses. Moses I. I truly am. What will happen now?
Narrator (Paul Coltofianu)
Moses placed his free hand on top of Joshua's and clasped it firmly. He held his gaze and nodded gently.
Character Voices (e.g., Moses, Joshua, Sean Duffy)
Me? Of course you.
Narrator (Paul Coltofianu)
Moses face broke into a genuine smile etched in pride. Joshua struggled to comprehend as he reeled at this revelation.
Character Voices (e.g., Moses, Joshua, Sean Duffy)
Yes, Joshua, you will lead the Israelites. You will lead them into the promised land.
Narrator (Paul Coltofianu)
At dawn the next day, all of Israel gathered to witness Joshua's commissioning. He stood before Eleazar and the entire priestly order. With the nation looking on the tabernacle and the towering cloud pillar, the presence of the Lord formed a majestic supernatural backdrop. Eliezer prayed a simple blessing over Joshua, who knelt before him. Moses heart swelled with pride as he envisioned the great things this humble and worthy man would accomplish for Israel in the service of the Lord.
Character Voices (e.g., Moses, Joshua, Sean Duffy)
May the Lord bless you and protect you.
Narrator (Paul Coltofianu)
Feeling prompted by the Lord, Moses stepped forward and laid his hands on Joshua as Eliezer continued to speak over him.
Character Voices (e.g., Moses, Joshua, Sean Duffy)
May the Lord make his face to shine upon you.
Narrator (Paul Coltofianu)
As soon as his hands touched Joshua's shoulders, Moses felt the overwhelming and undeniable stirring of the Lord. Moses did not look up, but he could sense that the witnesses could feel it as well. Moses added a quiet prayer of his own to his nephew's blessing.
Character Voices (e.g., Moses, Joshua, Sean Duffy)
Yahweh, be with Joshua as you have been with me, and be gracious unto you, for you will not leave him or abandon him.
Narrator (Paul Coltofianu)
May the Lord look with favor upon you.
Character Voices (e.g., Moses, Joshua, Sean Duffy)
Have him not turn to the right or the left, and let not your law depart from his mouth and give you peace. Help him be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for you are with him wherever he goes. Amen.
Matt Rogers
If today's reading moved you, the Pray.com app is where you can go deeper with daily prayers, Bible plans and more. Download it Free Link in The description
Narrator (Paul Coltofianu)
this pray.com production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Catena, Max Bard, Zach Shellevaga and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of the Chosen People. Narrated by Paul Coltofianu. Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvato, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwald, Sylvia zaradoc, Thomas Copeland Jr. Rosanna Pilcher and Mitch Leschinsky. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith. Written by Aaron Salvato, Bree Rosalie and Chris Baig. You can hear more prey.com productions on the pray.com app available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If you enjoyed the Chosen People, please rate and leave a review.
Character Voices (e.g., Moses, Joshua, Sean Duffy)
I'm U.S. transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
Matt Rogers
The sound of a seatbelt.
Character Voices (e.g., Moses, Joshua, Sean Duffy)
It's one of the most important sounds in our car. It means everyone is ready and everyone is safe. The more our kids see us put on our seat belts, the more natural it is for them to put theirs on, too. Make it a priority. Buckle up every time. Hear the sound. Make it a habit.
Matt Rogers
Paid for by NHTSA this is Matt Rogers from Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang. This is Bowen Yang from Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang. Hey, so what if you could boost the WI fi to one of your devices when you need it most? Because Xfinity WI fi can. And what if your WI fi could fix itself before there's even really a problem? Xfinity is so reliable, it does that, too. What if your wifi had parental instincts? Xfinity WI Fi is part nanny, part ninja, protecting your kids while they finally what if your WI fi was, like, the smartest WI fi? Yeah, it's WI fi that is so smart, it makes everything work better together. Bottom line, Xfinity is smart and reliable. You deserve the peace of mind of having WI fi that's got your back. Xfinity.
Advertiser/Commercial Voice
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Character Voices (e.g., Moses, Joshua, Sean Duffy)
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Character Voices (e.g., Moses, Joshua, Sean Duffy)
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Matt Rogers
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Advertiser/Commercial Voice
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Matt Rogers
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Character Voices (e.g., Moses, Joshua, Sean Duffy)
I'm caught up in the game.
Matt Rogers
My attention is on every play and every whistle.
Character Voices (e.g., Moses, Joshua, Sean Duffy)
But what I'm missing is a signal
Matt Rogers
coming from my kidneys.
Character Voices (e.g., Moses, Joshua, Sean Duffy)
That signal isn't like a ref's whistle.
Matt Rogers
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Character Voices (e.g., Moses, Joshua, Sean Duffy)
could be warning me of an increased
Matt Rogers
risk for events like heart attack or stroke.
Character Voices (e.g., Moses, Joshua, Sean Duffy)
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Matt Rogers
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Character Voices (e.g., Moses, Joshua, Sean Duffy)
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Matt Rogers
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Character Voices (e.g., Moses, Joshua, Sean Duffy)
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Matt Rogers
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Advertiser/Commercial Voice
Guaranteed Human.
Podcast Host: Pray.com
Date: March 3, 2026
Episode Theme:
A moving dramatization of Moses’ final days and the divine commissioning of Joshua, exploring themes of leadership, legacy, and faith within the journey to the Promised Land.
This episode centers on the emotional transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua as Israel stands at the threshold of the Promised Land. We witness Moses grappling with the close of his life’s mission, the pain and peace of relinquishing stewardship, and the fulfillment of God’s promise by raising up Joshua. Through vivid narration and heartfelt character dialogue, "The Call of Joshua" delves into leadership, humility, God’s faithfulness, and the unchanging value of being chosen by God.
On Identity (Narrator):
“Moses had started to wonder if he only held value to the people as their leader. He even wondered the same about God. If he was no longer useful to anyone and he had failed at his mission, what did that say of his value? Why was he still living if he had outlived his purpose? But no... He was the Lord’s.” (08:00)
On Leadership (Moses):
“I suppose that's true leadership, isn't it? Serving.” (15:44)
On Joshua’s Commission (Moses and Eleazar):
“May the Lord bless you and protect you... Help him be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for you are with him wherever he goes. Amen.” (20:44 – 21:38)
On Succession (Moses):
“Yes, Joshua, you will lead the Israelites. You will lead them into the promised land.” (19:51)
The episode is steeped in warmth, humility, and bittersweet gratitude, relayed through vivid narration and honest, vulnerable dialogue. The storytelling is contemplative and emotional, inviting listeners to wrestle with timeless questions of calling, faithfulness, and identity apart from acts of leadership or prestige.
By exploring the torch-passing from Moses to Joshua, this episode leaves the listener with a moving portrait of faith, mentorship, and the assurance that God’s promises—and presence—transcend the lives of even His greatest leaders.