Read: Deuteronomy 32
Highlights:
The song of Moses; Moses permitted to see the promised land; Moses blesses the twelve tribes; death of Moses; Joshua succeeds Moses.
So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the Land of Moab, according to the Word of the Lord (Deut. 34:5).
Moses was anxious to lead the children of Israel into the promised land. Although he was 120 years old, he was still physically strong. His eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated (34:7).
Our hearts are filled with compassion as we read of this meek hero of faith climbing Mt. Nebo to die — just outside the promised land. For forty years Moses had looked forward to entering Canaan. He had prayed for this privilege. But God did not allow Moses to lead the Israelites into the promised land — the task he began 40 years earlier. The task he began was left for Joshua to complete.
Some may think God punished Moses too severely by not allowing him to enter the promised land. But even though his sin was very serious, God was only denying Moses this one earthly desire. The mercy of God always exceeds His punishment — it always goes beyond man's ability to see His great plan. In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death (Prov. 12:28).
Moses' prayer was not answered when and how he expected. But think how much more gloriously and remarkably God answered his prayer! God only postponed his prayer until he could stand triumphantly with Jesus and the apostles in the promised land on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matt. 17:1-8).
We are all on a pilgrimage in life in preparation for that promised land of many mansions (John 14:2). Our desire in life should be to magnify Christ.
When we come face to face with death, we will see the priceless value of life as we have never before seen it. Will it be a moment of regret for wasted years, having lived in vain, or will it be one of satisfaction for having faithfully served the Lord?
For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain (Phil. 1:21). I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness (2 Tim. 4:7-8).
Thought for Today:
Many have passed prematurely into eternity with unfinished goals; but their life's work, if it was God, will continue to bless others.
Christ Revealed:
As our Rock (Deut. 32:31). Christ was that spiritual Rock (Petra) that followed (accompanied) them (1 Cor. 10:4).
Word Studies:
32:3 publish, proclaim; 32:19 abhorred, despised; 32:20 froward, disloyal, perverse, corrupt; 32:41 whet, sharpen; 32:44 Hoshea, Joshua; 33:9 Covenant, binding agreement with all qualifications given by God; 33:28 corn, grain; 33:29 tread upon their high places, trample down their heathen altars; 34:2 utmost sea, Mediterranean; 34:6 sepulchre, grave; 34:7 abated, lessened; 34:12 great terror, marvelous deeds.
Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to give you contentment in your circumstances, whether in plenty or in want (Phil. 4:11-12).
Optional Reading: John 3
Memory Verse for the Week: Philippians 2:14
