Wednesday 12 August 2009
- Bible Book:
- Deuteronomy
"Then Moses, the servant of the Lord, died there in the land of Moab, at the LORD's command." (v.5)
Background
In obedience to God's command, Moses climbed Mount Nebo where hewas able to see the Promised Land of Canaan. He knew that he woulddie there. He accepted the fact that he could not enter thePromised Land as a result of God's punishment for his misuse ofpower earlier in his life, even though he and the people of Israelhad been waiting for this 'homecoming' for over 40 years.
But this severe punishment did not alter his devotion and loyaltyto God. He accepted it, returned to his humble way of serving Godand continued leading the Israelites in the direction ofCanaan.
God appreciated his devotion and, in this passage from the end ofthe book of Deuteronomy, Moses is referred to as "the servant ofthe Lord". This special title is used in the Bible to refer tothose whom the Lord, as the great king, has taken into hisservice.
They are specially designated to serve as members of God's royaladministration.
To Ponder
Do you always keep your promises? What factorscan make it difficult for human beings to keep their word?
Do you respond to correction in a negative or apositive way?
Do you believe that obedience to God asindividuals, and as nations, will help to bring peace to our world?How might that be?