Reading: Deuteronomy 34:1-12
Deuteronomy 34:9 – “Now Joshua son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him.”
Moses has led the people of God to the very edge of the Promised Land. He has stood before Pharaoh and brought the plagues that led to release from slavery. He parted the sea, brought water from the rock, and was the conduit for the provision of manna and quail. Moses spoke often with God and taught the people all of what God instructed. Moses was a great leader. He was not without his faults, but “there never has been another prophet in Israel like Moses.” As Moses stands on Pisgah, overlooking the Promised Land, he is 120 years old yet still with clear eyesight and with good physical strength.
God has brought him to this place to show Moses the land – the land promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The land that Moses has been leading the people towards for 40 years. The people are different physically and spiritually. Besides Moses, Joshua and Caleb are the sole survivors of the exodus from Egypt. God and Moses have shaped the people to be the people of God during 40 years in the wilderness. But the time has come for new leadership. Moses dies in Moab and is buried there.
Joshua will lead the Israelites through the Jordan River and into the Promised Land. Moses has prepared him well for this transition. In verse 9 we read about the culmination of this preparation: “Now Joshua son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him.” Moses has finished strong so that Joshua can begin strong. Moses has finished well, blessing Joshua and doing all that he could to ensure Joshua’s success as a leader. As we consider and walk through transitions and changes in our lives, how can we lead well and finish strong, especially in matters of faith?
Prayer: Lord God, we can struggle at times of letting go, of moving on, of change. Our humanity – our pride, our ego, our need to be in control – they can get in the way of your next thing. Open our eyes and hearts to your working in and amongst us. Help us to trust your plans and your goodness for our lives. Use us as you will. Amen.
