Focus

Let yourself become open to God and the knowledge that comes from the Word. Ask God for a peace at this time.

Read

Deuteronomy 34:1-7 (NRSV)

Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which is opposite Jericho, and the LORD showed him the whole land: Gilead as far as Dan, all Naphtali, the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the Western Sea, the Negeb, and the Plain—that is, the valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees—as far as Zoar. The LORD said to him, “This is the land of which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, saying, ‘I will give it to your descendants’; I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not cross over there.” Then Moses, the servant of the LORD, died there in the land of Moab, at the LORD’s command. He was buried in a valley in the land of Moab, opposite Beth-peor, but no one knows his burial place to this day. Moses was one hundred twenty years old when he died; his sight was unimpaired and his vigor had not abated.

Reflect

Our scripture describes an old Moses on the mountain surveying the Promised Land. One can imagine his joy and, at the same time, his disappointment. The Lord allowed him to look at, but not enter this land. The long journey from Egypt had not been an easy one. His own people were constantly complaining and questioning his leadership to the point of worshiping a golden calf, threatening to return to Egypt, even rebelling against Moses and God, yet Moses pleaded with God for their sake. In spite of frequent setbacks, his accomplishments were significant—namely face-to-face meetings with God, receiving the Law and the Ten Commandments and, through trying and challenging circumstances, successfully leading God’s chosen people to the Promised Land.

The constant in Moses’ life was his steadfastness. In spite of frequent disappointments, he possessed a “stubborn faithfulness” to God. His was a God-given purpose and vision. Those we admire most are those who, in spite of setbacks, disappointments, and tough times, trust in God and manage to hang in there. Our faith journeys are not intended for quitters.

Pray

God, grant us a stubborn faithfulness for life’s journey. May we remain steadfast through the joys and disappointments of life as we seek to attain your purpose for our lives. Grant us the vision to see your promises fulfilled. Amen.

Go with God.