Today we finish our reading of Deuteronomy. To be perfectly honest, I was a little concerned about getting through this section... I love Genesis and Exodus, but reading Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy has always been a bit challenging for me in times past when I've read through the Bible. So it's been a while since I've read through these 5 books all together. But what fresh insights and reminders I've gained of God's goodness and leading during this reading. And what inspiration which is very relevant and needed for my life today!
In today's final chapters, we find that Moses has finally reached the end of his journey. He's 120 years old, and yet we are told that his eye was not dim or his natural vigor diminished. WOW! We are also told that there has never been a prophet since like Moses whom the Lord knew face to face. He was faithful, despite a small bleep on his record, and it was time for his work to be completed.
Of course, you would think that, considering Moses years of faithful service, God would have looked past that little bleep, that little incident in the Wilderness of Zin where he struck the rock instead of speaking to it as God commanded. But no, even with the most faithful prophet, there were to be consequences. Thankfully, they were not eternal consequences however, for Moses recognized his sin and sought forgiveness.
Moses must have had lots of thoughts as he made his final ascent to Mt. Nebo, where he was to die. He must have had many thoughts as he looked over the land of Canaan that he had worked for 40 years to bring the children of Israel to. Did he have regrets that he'd walked away from the palace of Egypt? Did he regret that he'd said no to an easy pompous life to instead spend his life first in the wilderness alone, then leading a group of a million or more complaining griping children through another wilderness? It appears that he had no regrets...no regrets except perhaps, that he had struck the rock instead of speaking to it.
This is what Inspiration tells us about Moses final thoughts:
In solitude Moses reviewed his life of vicissitudes and hardships since he turned from courtly honors and from a prospective kingdom in Egypt, to cast in his lot with God’s chosen people. He called to mind those long years in the desert with the flocks of Jethro, the appearance of the Angel in the burning bush, and his own call to deliver Israel. Again he beheld the mighty miracles of God’s power displayed in behalf of the chosen people, and His long-suffering mercy during the years of their wandering and rebellion. Notwithstanding all that God had wrought for them, notwithstanding his own prayers and labors, only two of all the adults in the vast army that left Egypt had been found so faithful that they could enter the Promised Land. As Moses reviewed the result of his labors, his life of trial and sacrifice seemed to have been almost in vain.
Yet he did not regret the burdens he had borne. He knew that his mission and work were of God’s own appointing. When first called to become the leader of Israel from bondage, he shrank from the responsibility; but since he had taken up the work he had not cast aside the burden. Even when the Lord had proposed to release him, and destroy rebellious Israel, Moses could not consent. Though his trials had been great, he had enjoyed special tokens of God’s favor; he had obtained a rich experience during the sojourn in the wilderness, in witnessing the manifestations of God’s power and glory, and in the communion of His love; he felt that he had made a wise decision in choosing to suffer affliction with the people of God, rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. (From Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 471-472)I encourage you to read the rest of chapter 43 in Patriarchs and Prophets... as it shares many more fascinating details of the things God showed Moses before he died. In fact, I wept as I read the remainder of this chapter. It is powerful, moving, convicting. And to see, that it is in Moses' death (and later resurrection), that the promise of the coming resurrection is forever sealed and settled for us. This is a powerful reading. For any following my blog, please read the rest of this chapter! (Click HERE for the link for those who which to read online!)
May we live a life of no regrets...
Tomorrow's Reading: Josh 1-3 and Psalms 37
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