Deuteronomy 34 - Taking a Last View from Mount Nebo

The View from Mount Nebo (http://www.bamjam.net/Jordan/Nebo.html)

LINK: Deuteronomy 34

BACKGROUND

In the final chapter of Deuteronomy, Moses praises the Lord and climbs to the top of Pisgah on Mount Nebo to view the Promised Land since he would not be able to touch it. He died there full of faith. It was not a perfect life, but we can still learn so much from his life!

The Scarlet Thread of Redemption 

He died full of faith, but One would come more than a thousand years later who would live a perfect life and be greater: JESUS!!!!

Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of our confession; He was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was in all His house. For He has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, by just so much as the builder of the house has more honor than the house. For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God. Now Moses was faithful in all His house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken later; but Christ was faithful as a Son over His house--whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence and the boast of our hope firm until the end. (Hebrews 3:1-6)

REFLECTION

Moses died full of faith. What a growth plan. What I love about his life is that he did not quit. God disciplined Moses severely after he disobeyed (Numbers 20:12), but God still called him His friend! Moses did not give up and say "Well, I am not good enough to be used by God now." He kept on going. He learned from his mistakes, and he leaned in ever closer to God so much so that at the end of his life he could proclaim, "The eternal God is a dwelling place, And underneath are the everlasting arms" (33:37).

When you feel like giving up because you have blown it, do not give up! Keep in the battle. Turn to the LORD's everlasting arms and let Him lead You!

APPLICATION

Well done, good and faithful servant! You have finished the course of the Torah or Pentateuch. You have persevered! I feel like we should have a party! Read about perseverance in Many Aspire, Few Attain:

14. Perseverance, keeping the heart for the battle

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Rom. 12:1).

If you get used to seeing God do miracles, you quickly stop being thrilled and thankful. The things of God can become old hat, and you can fall into complacency. Remember the story of the hare and the tortoise? The hare started out great, but he was sidetracked along the way because it was so easy - success was assured, he thought. The tortoise, on the other hand, just kept plugging along, recognizing that in order to win the race, he needed to put all his efforts into it. And he won. He kept his eye on the objective and did not allow himself to be distracted.

Like the race between the tortoise and the hare, the battle which Christians face today needs to be won. It is for keeps. And also, like that fabled race, the racetrack today needs to be won. It is for keeps. And also like that fabled race, the racetrack contains many potential distractions. Have no doubt that Satan will try everything he can to disqualify you and get you out of the fight.

This list is just a few suggestions to help you from becoming a casualty of the fight, the war that is the Christian life. Too often, Satan is successful in taking believers out of the battle. While many begin well, few end well. Many aspire, but few attain. My prayer is that you may be one of those that attains.

Try to review what you have learned from your study of Deuteronomy. Summarize it in a story, song, poem, or letter to God, or simply spend time in worship and prayer today!

PRAYER

Lord, we praise You as our dwelling place. Help us to dwell in Your presence and everlasting arms the whole day through. Thank You that You do not abandon us in our disobedience but desire for us to "confess and press" on and grow and become strong and courageous in this life. Help us to move forward and do not allow the enemy to allow us to become discouraged. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.