Focus Chapters:
- Deuteronomy 3:21-29
- Deuteronomy 4-5
Standout Verse(s):
Deuteronomy 3:21-28 NLT
“At that time I gave Joshua this charge: ‘You have seen for yourself everything the Lord your God has done to these two kings. He will do the same to all the kingdoms on the west side of the Jordan. Do not be afraid of the nations there, for the Lord your God will fight for you.’
“At that time I pleaded with the Lord and said, ‘O Sovereign Lord, you have only begun to show your greatness and the strength of your hand to me, your servant. Is there any god in heaven or on earth who can perform such great and mighty deeds as you do? Please let me cross the Jordan to see the wonderful land on the other side, the beautiful hill country and the Lebanon mountains.’
“But the Lord was angry with me because of you, and he would not listen to me. ‘That’s enough!’ he declared. ‘Speak of it no more. But go up to Pisgah Peak, and look over the land in every direction. Take a good look, but you may not cross the Jordan River. Instead, commission Joshua and encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead the people across the Jordan. He will give them all the land you now see before you as their possession.’
Observation (s):
- Moses was not given the opportunity to enter the Promised Land, the land that he had served for 40 years to reach.
“At that time I pleaded with the Lord and said, ‘O Sovereign Lord, you have only begun to show your greatness and the strength of your hand to me, your servant. Is there any god in heaven or on earth who can perform such great and mighty deeds as you do? Please let me cross the Jordan to see the wonderful land on the other side, the beautiful hill country and the Lebanon mountains.’
“But the Lord was angry with me because of you, and he would not listen to me. ‘That’s enough!’ he declared. ‘Speak of it no more. But go up to Pisgah Peak, and look over the land in every direction. Take a good look, but you may not cross the Jordan River.
- Despite his disappointment, Moses did as God directed. He encouraged and commissioned his successor, Joshua.
“At that time I gave Joshua this charge: ‘You have seen for yourself everything the Lord your God has done to these two kings. He will do the same to all the kingdoms on the west side of the Jordan. Do not be afraid of the nations there, for the Lord your God will fight for you.’
Application:
Moses was in a disappointingly impossible situation. He led the Israelites so close to their destination that he could see the end in sight. He only had to stand on a mountain and look down at the glorious sight, the reward of 40 years of labouring, interceding for and leading a stubborn nation. However, due to a mistake, he lost the opportunity to enter into the Promised Land. Instead, he was charged with readying and encouraging his successor, Joshua.
Many of us would have sulked and rebelled. Our successor would have never been effectively groomed by us. There was no way we would have offered words of encouragement! No one should be allowed to come in at the last moment and partake of the fruits of our labour, especially if we couldn’t.
Moses, once again, proves that he is a godly example. Despite his disappointment, he does as God directs and grooms Joshua to take his place. He still gave his best encouragement and guidance. Moses gave his best.
What if this situation happens to you? How would you react? Will you still give your best?
