Numbers 27:12-14; Deuteronomy 32:48-52, 33:1-29, 34:1-12
The Lord shows Moses the Promised Land. He will see what He will not enter into. Was there comfort or pain in this glimpse? Victory or defeat? Or was it joy and foreshadowing of the Promised Land that Moses was preparing to enter? Was there a deep sense of peace that he was really preparing to enter the ultimate promise rather than enter this dim earthly specter? How much understanding did Moses have at this moment? What exactly did God say to him?
I admire the way Moses approaches his death. He, like Aaron, will die in the company of the Lord. Will I be conscious of God's presence in my own death? I hope so.
Moses' final words to the people are words of blessing. Again, I pray this positive blessed passing -- where I reach out to others -- is the manner of my leaving this earth. Even though he's not entering the Promised Land and he knows the prophecy of the people's unfaithfulness, he maintains a positive attitude and offers encouragement and blessing. He blesses each tribe individually. The longest blessing is for the clan of Joseph.
Only Moses' closest relation attends his burial -- God. God buries him. What a powerful portrait of intimacy and love.
And then this tribute by whoever has taken over the writing of the account:
Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face.... [Deut. 34:10]
How close to God are our leaders?
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