All who rebelled have died, the people of Israel stand at the bank of the Jordan across from the Promise Land, and Moses gives his final words to them.
I love the book of Deuteronomy! Moses knows that his time of leadership has come to an end, and as a wise sage, he recounts to the people the story of their journeys. It is a time when good times and bad are brought back to mind. It is a time for warnings and blessings. It is a time of challenge and charge as they stand poised for their future. It is a moment of hope, a focus on a reality built not upon Moses but on the Almighty.
Just this past Sunday our pastor stepped down from his position. God revealed to him that his time of leadership here had come to an end. Over the month of February, with the knowledge of his eminent departure, he has preached to us, much like Moses does in this last of his five books.
What do you say just before you leave your people? What are those few choice words and few choice topic upon which you expound while you still have their ear? Our pastor chose the following four... spiritual gifts, the love of God, grace, and the resurrection. Those were four topics which where perfect for our people to hear. They were messages of encouragement. Messages of hope and peace. And they were not without their warnings and challenges.
Our pastor, just like Moses, knew the road ahead will be tough at times. But both knew full well that God is greater than everything and that He is in control of our futures. As Moses reminds us, we are called to obey God and trust His leadership. We are called to remember His faithfulness and respond in hope for the future.
Sit back and enjoy this book over the next week or so. Most things should be recaps of that which you have read, but the sage chooses these events, these discourses carefully. Soak them up and learn from one of the greatest leaders of our faith.
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