READING: Deuteronomy 2-4
I’m not sure how to explain my emotions after reading today’s texts. I rejoice in God’s continual provision for His people. I’m halted by the recurrent commands for God’s people to “diligently watch” themselves in the face of pagan nations around them. Because Joshua is my favorite book of the Old Testament, I’m excited by the prospect of His taking the lead.
At the same time, though, I am gripped by Moses’ plea to enter the Promised Land—”Please let me cross over and see the beautiful land on the other side of the Jordan, that good hill country and Lebanon” (Deut 3:25) – followed by God’s clear rejection of that request. Indeed, Moses begged God to let him go there . . . in what surely was a humble but passionate request for the all-powerful, one-and-only God to allow him to enter the land.
God’s answer was undeniably clear: “That’s enough! Do not speak to me again about this matter” (Deut 3:26). God would graciously allow Moses to see the land from a distance, but He would not let him enter there. Moses’ sin in the past limited how far he could go in the present and the future. We are wise to remember that truth as we face temptation today.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Is there anything in your life about which God might say, “That’s enough”?
DAILY PRAYER: “Father, I pray the same prayer today that I prayed yesterday: ‘Remind me that disobedience never comes without cost.’”
TOMORROW’S READING: Deuteronomy 5-8
