READING: Deuteronomy 33-34, Luke 5:12-39
It must have been painful for Moses to hear one more time. He was God’s uniquely called leader to guide His people out of Egypt to the Promised Land. Even in His old age, he remained filled with vigor—God’s prophet like no other. The people would, in fact, grieve for him for thirty days upon his death.
Now, the people stood on the brink of that land, but . . . Moses would not go with them. His previous sin of striking the rock twice brought God’s judgment, and that judgment was that Moses would not enter the Promised Land. He had pleaded with God to let him go there, but God stood by His word. Once again in today’s text, God reminded Moses of those surely painful, tragic words: “I have let you see it with your own eyes, but you will not cross into it” (Deut 34:4).
I cannot grasp what Moses must have felt that day. Finally, he saw the provision of God’s promise. He could see the land. He had been an instrument in God’s plan. That must have brought joy. Yet, his role was coming to an end. He would die on the outside of the land . . . because of previous rebellion.
As much as anything today, I’m reminded of the potentially long-lasting effects of our sinful choices.
PRAYER: “God, help me to live for You with no regrets today.”
DAILY ACTION STEP: Assume that all your choices today will have lasting repercussions—and choose rightly.
TOMORROW’S READING: Weekend is for catch-up and review
MONDAY’S READING: Joshua 1-6, Luke 6:1-36
