Read: Deuteronomy 1; Psalm 98
Verses chosen for meditation: Deuteronomy 1:9 “At that time I said to you, ‘I am not able to bear you by myself. 10 The Lord your God has multiplied you, and behold, you are today as numerous as the stars of heaven.”
Reflect: The book of Deuteronomy started with Moses recounting the journey that Israel had with God when they first started out from Horeb. As this recounting started from the time when the people of Israel were at their fortieth year since Egypt; Moses was speaking to the 2nd generation of Israelites. From Deuteronomy chapters one to four, Moses recalled that he had done much for the people of Israel.
And yet because of the frequent rebellion by their forefathers, Moses told the younger generation that he was also punished. Together with the first generation, Moses was denied entry into the Promised Land.
Of course, we all know from the book of Numbers that while the people caused Moses much frustration, it was also because of Moses’ unnecessary anger that prevented him from entry into the Promised Land. Even then, we can understand that it was very challenging for Moses.
Hence, while God recognized Moses’ contributions and frustrations; He had to mete out justice in the light of His holiness. God had to be fair. The good thing is that unique to Moses, the friend of God was led to have a good glimpse of the Promised Land. On that, Moses seemed entirely satisfied and grateful.
The intention for Moses’ recounting of the journey so far, was not to tell the 2nd generation that their forefathers were all to blame; or that he was totally innocent. It was rather a review of what was done right with the Lord, and what was not. Moses was giving a final teaching to the people of Israel, before they make the final step into the Promised Land. He wanted the younger people not to make the same mistakes they made, but instead, to obey God and be faithful.
What a magnanimous and faithful man of God!
Relate
It can be rare to encounter people who are so willing to give up their own rights (or what they think are their rights) for the sake of the greater good.
Moses could have easily become bitter for all that he had experienced. He could have kept to himself and refused to impart anything good to Joshua and the younger generation of Israel; since he himself was denied entry. Given the circumstances, perhaps very few would blame him for having that kind of attitude.
Yet, Moses committed none of those selfish acts. Instead, Moses painstakingly tried to ensure that the younger generation do better than their predecessors.
Through this passage, I learn from Moses that if I truly love God and the church, then I should not keep anything good to myself. Instead, I should be constantly mentoring and imparting; so that the younger generation can do better. In fact, I should believe that they can do much better in humility.
I might not get to see the fruit of all that I have laboured right now. But that does not matter. What matters is that transition be done properly, people are discipled well and the church produces more fruit for the glory of God. After all, Jesus showed the greatest example for this. He gave up His own rights as the Son of God, so that the world can have the opportunity to believe and be saved. Praise be to God!
Rest
Lord my God, help me to have such a magnanimous and faithful heart like Moses. Fill my heart with Your kingdom perspective so that in whatever I do, I can find delight in You and follow Your ways. This I pray in Jesus Name. Amen.
Jason
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