Deuteronomy 31:30 – 33:29; Psalm 116 - "blessings by Moses"

 

READ: Deuteronomy 31:30-33:29; Psalm 116

Verse chosen for meditation: Deuteronomy 33:1

¹ This is the blessing with which Moses the man of God blessed the people of Israel before his death. 

REFLECT

Deuteronomy 33 recorded the blessings with which Moses, the man of God has blessed the children of Israel before his death. These blessings are somewhat similar to the one recorded to Israel in Gen 49. Overall, they were prayers and promises of strength, abundances (v.13-17, 27), assurances (v.13) and victories (v.11, 29) over this second-generation Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land.

 

For me, verse 1 firstly speaks strongly that Moses had a shepherd heart. He could not leave the Israelites without blessing this group of people who he had served in the Lord for the last 40 years. Moses blessed the tribes at tend of his life. He missed out entering into the Promised Land yet remembered to bless them. He remained caring and gracious for His people even till his final days. He imitated the character of our Lord Jesus Christ, who displayed unwavering love and care for His people.

Moses was God’s prophet who have had such an intimate encounter with God at Mount Sinai when God spoke to him face to face. He has such a deep knowledge of the Lord, “I AM” and about His salvation plan for Israel. He constantly obeyed God as His prophet except at the waters of Meribah, Numbers 20. His confidence was with His understanding of who God is. The Lord has revealed enough of Himself to Moses in his early years till this moment. This could be seen in his proclamations and affirmations, such as: “The God of Moses is like none other, Deut 33:26; The God of Moses is the God of the upright, Deut 32:15. It was with this confidence that he prayed over the Israelites. 

 

RELATE

Coming to the end of his life (Deut 34), Moses by now knew that he has to face two real hard facts. He was not allowed to enter into the Promised Land and was no longer the leader to lead God’s people onward, Deut 31. But looks like Moses was not too bothered about his own plight. He could have left this group of Israelites as they were. Instead, he remained faithful and gracious to this group Israelites when he chose to bless all the tribes of Israel with God’s promises and assurances.

Moses was such a character. Remember, he was the one who interceded for the Israelites in the midst of their disobedience to ask for God’s mercy to spare from destruction, Exodus 33: 12-17. Moses aligned his heart with God’s, being faithful and compassionate. His interest and concern for the Israelite community was that all would go well for this second generation entering into the Promised Land.  

Blessing others is such a privilege, as believers. For me, birthday blessings from my loved ones and friends are very much delighted and appreciated each year. This is because they are God's blessings prayed over me for the days to come. These blessings belong to me and are meant for my good. All I have to do is to claim every one of them into my life.

REST

Lord, goodness is Your character. You always have the welfare of Your people at heart and are willing to bless. First, teach me to be like Moses who has a compassionate and selfless heart for others.

Grant that I may also have a “big heart”, always be delighted to bless others generously in words and deeds.

Vincent