28th February Deuteronomy 34 A Good Ending
Do you think Moses was annoyed that he couldn’t enter the Promised Land, after forty years in the desert leading the people of Israel? I think I may have been, it can be hard to accept the consequences of our behaviour, but maybe just seeing the land was enough for him. Something I’m learning is that our journey with God is not always about the end destination. The journey - walking with God in faith, keeping our eyes fixed on Him, relying on Him and His provision, trusting His timing - is more important. The relationship with God is the best bit. Moses had a face to face relationship with God (v.10) - isn’t it incredible that we can have an intimate relationship with God, entering the throne room boldly as we approach our Father God. The Holy Spirit chooses us to dwell in. Thank you Jesus!
Before Moses departed up to the mountain to die, he blessed the tribes of Israel, and also laid hands on Joshua, the next leader of the Israelites. By laying hands on Joshua, he became filled with the Spirit of Wisdom (v.9). Moses ended his time of leadership well. It can be hard to let go and move on from ministry can’t it? But I think it can make a massive difference to that ministry if we leave well and pass on the cloak to the next leader. We need to be careful to not hold onto the status of position, or the thought that we are too important not to be involved. It’s all about God. He puts us in these positions so we can glorify Him. The last few verses are real praise to all the work God did through Moses, and in Hebrews 3 it talks about how Jesus was greater than Moses, as no one did anything like Moses did until Jesus came. It would be hard not to think you are pretty awesome when you are being compared alongside Jesus, even if you did lose!
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Question:
What journey are you currently on with Jesus? How do you keep your eyes fixed on Him? Is there anything God is calling you to lay down? How can you end well?
Prayer:
Thank you God that we can have a close relationship with you. Help us to glorify you in all you call us to. Amen.