Friday 02 October 2009

Background

It has been a long journey, one that has shaped a people, andone that has shaped Moses, after years of struggling and doubting,of difficult relationships, of suffering and regrets.

For Moses it is his life's work - crossing over into Canaan, thePromised Land - beginning in years past, in mistakes and fear, inreluctance and uncertainty. And now, the fruit of all that labour,the final step (and he knows it) will not be his task to take it. Iwonder how full of regret he must have been? Nearly there, but notquite. All the work but none of the reward. At this last moment,Moses is having to hand over to the younger person who has not hadto deal with the years of difficulty and challenge.

Reflecting on such disappointment puts the words of Moses intocontext. It's not just that he lays down some final rules - the Lawgiver making sure his legacy is kept bright and shiny - it is thathe testifies to the god that he has come to know through thestruggling. "It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be withyou; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or bedismayed."

It is all very well for me repeating such words from the safe placeof a manse office with a cup of coffee and a fine day ahead. It isanother for this person in this place to say it; after everythinghe has been through, close to the end of his life, faced with thefinal frustration of not being the one who will complete themission, wearing the bruises of heart, body and mind of years ofbattling.

Moses says, "He will not fail you." Here we have the words ofsomeone who knows, who's 'been there, done that'. Moses knows andreaffirms to the gathered people that God is faithful and God'slove is everlasting.

To Ponder

What are the regrets and disappointments hauntingyou today?

As you recall the day that has passed, where canyou say, "God is faithful"?

What fears lie ahead of you this day that you cantrust with the Lord who goes before you?