YEAR 2, WEEK 22, Day 1, Monday, 26 May 2025

https://esv.literalword.com/?q=Deuteronomy+34

Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Monday, 26 May 2025:

Deuteronomy 34:1–5 – “Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo… And the LORD said to him, ‘This is the land…’ So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab.”

Though Moses did not enter the promised land, God gave him a panoramic view and an intimate farewell. This final ascent of Moses was not one of defeat but of completion. He died as “the servant of the LORD”—a title of highest honor. God personally guided his final moments, granting him a vision of the promise he spent his life pursuing.

• Hebrews 11:39–40 – “And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us.”
• 2 Timothy 4:7 – “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

Deuteronomy 34:10–12 – “And there has not arisen a prophet since in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face…”

There was no one like Moses, but even the greatest old covenant prophet had to learn his place in the kingdom is through a grace that covers all his failures, and God’s goal for Moses was eternal intimacy and unity in heart, mind, and soul. Moses had not yet arrived, but His intended destination wasn’t the land of Canaan but rather the perfect presence of God. In His failure, Moses didn’t turn from the Lord but rather continued His journey closer to Him, trusting God in His discipline.

• Proverbs 3:11-12 — My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.
• Hebrews 12:5-11 — 5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

God withheld the victorious entry from Moses because He loved Moses. He did what was the very best for Moses, and for the people, though neither Moses nor the people could fully understand why. God knows we have neither the understanding or the heart to choose our own path, and if we judge the path God has given us from our own perspective, we will certainly not appreciate it. In trust we can live in love, joy, peace, and gratitude and make the most of our current situation, regardless of how uncomfortable it is, knowing that our perfect, loving Father is allowing it for our best and His glory. God will use even our failures for best when we remain content in His grace and remain humble to learn what He is teaching us. Through our circumstances, it is important we not lose sight of the goal – to conform us to Christlike character that we would be one with Him (John 17:22-23; Romans 8:28-29)

• 1 Thessalonians 5:18 — Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
• Philippians 3:12-21 — Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained. Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

Moses’ death did not diminish his legacy. God Himself buried him—perhaps to prevent the Israelites from turning his grave into a shrine. (Deut. 34:1–8) Being buried by the Lord, of course, was also a great honor. He was unmatched in his intimacy with God and the mighty deeds performed through him. Yet Moses’ story ultimately points forward—to Jesus, the greater Prophet and Deliverer. Christ has transferred His righteousness to us that we could be free to grow in righteousness without fear. Don’t waste a moment of the grace you have received. Honor God and give thanks to Him but striving with all your might to live up to the calling you have received.

• John 1:17 – “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
• Hebrews 3:3 – “Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses.”

Consider God’s grace revealed in the life of Moses: Moses began reluctantly—arguing with God at the burning bush that he was unfit for the task (Exodus 3–4). Yet over time, through God’s persistent grace, Moses became a bold leader, confronting Pharaoh, delivering plagues, parting seas, and receiving the law on Sinai.

“Moses hesitated to accept God’s call at first, protesting that the Israelites would not obey him and that he was too “slow of speech and of tongue” to lead Israel out of Egypt (Ex. 3:1–4:17). Yet the Lord, in His patience and grace, remained with Moses and strengthened his hand. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, Moses stared down the mightiest king on the planet (4:18–14:31), led the Israelites against the Midianites (Num. 31), and did many other mighty works.” (Ligonier Ministries)

Though barred from entering Canaan due to his failure at Meribah (Numbers 20), he remained faithful to the end. Again, strive with all your might to pursue godliness and unity with Christ, repenting in your failures, learning from your failures, rejoicing always in the grace and freedom you have received in Christ, and pressing forward towards the prize without looking backwards.

God granted Moses a glimpse of the land, not as a cruel tease but as a gracious affirmation that the promise would be fulfilled—even if Moses himself would not be the one to lead the people in. His death was a transition, not a failure.

Moses needed mercy and grace continually. His story echoes the gospel: Like Moses, we learn that our works, however great, cannot fulfill the law’s demands. Even the most faithful servant must rely entirely on God’s grace. As the hymn Rock of Ages puts it: “Not the labors of my hands can fulfill Thy law’s demands… Thou must save, and Thou alone.”

God’s grace is vast enough to cover all our shortcomings. This isn’t permission to take sin lightly, but it is encouragement for those who’ve failed. Past disobedience does not disqualify repentant hearts from future faithfulness. Moses serves as proof: his failures were real, but God’s grace was greater.

• Romans 5:20 – “Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more.”
• Micah 7:8 – “When I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD will be a light to me.”

“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 26 May 2025: “So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD.” (Deuteronomy 34:5) Have you ever felt like your spiritual journey is ending in the wilderness? Like Moses, your path may have included detours, regrets, and consequences—but also intimacy with God, divine calling, and faithful perseverance. Reflect on where you may have fallen short and bring that honestly to God in prayer. Let His grace reshape how you view your legacy. Revisit the ways God has used your life, even in weakness, to serve others. Is there someone discouraged by past failures? Reach out and encourage them today. Give thanks for how far God has carried you. Set one simple spiritual goal for the week to help you finish strong in an area of calling or obedience. Pray: “Lord, thank You that even when I fail, You are faithful. Like Moses, I want to finish well—not by my strength, but by Your grace. Help me walk humbly, serve boldly, and leave a legacy that points others to You. Amen.”