Wednesday 29 December 2021

Deuteronomy 32:48-52 – So near yet so far

On the same day that Moses gave his final admonition to the children of Israel, he was instructed to go up to Mount Nebo to have a good look at the promised land. The view of the land in one sense was a concession for his faithful service. God allowed him to have a view of the land promised to His people, but he would not be entering in. Instead, he would die up in the mountain just as Aaron had died in Mount Hor. Deuteronomy 32:51 then revisited the reason why he was disqualified from entering the land. His contemptuous action at the Waters of Meribah-Kadesh before the eyes of the people did not honor the Lord. Of all the people, He should have known better. 

Moses came so far to the edge of the promised land but could not taste it. For forty years he had led the children through the challenging wilderness. He not only had to weather the harsh terrain of the journey but also the unpredictable climate and response of the people. The culmination of the 40 years of his life's work was to get the people into the promised land, only to be reminded that he could not go in. Try to empathize with Moses. He had literally poured his life only to die so inconspicuously. There was no stone to mark his grave. There was no grand ceremony to commemorate one of history’s most significant servants of God.   

He was so near yet so far, all because of one moment of indiscretion. Here is a lesson from the account of Moses’ departure. We learn that serving God is a serious matter. Don’t allow an unguarded moment in life to prevent us from obtaining God’s best for us. One careless moment, one careless word, or one careless action can be costly. Each of these can mean the forfeiture of all that we are living for. Don’t let that our carelessness create for us a life of regrets. Stay vigilant in life. Obey Paul’s words in Ephesians 5:15-16, “…be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your opportunity….” Don’t live a life of regrets!

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