| June 23, 2022 Moses is wrapping up his final sermon to the Israelites (Deuteronomy 30-31) and leaves the people with encouragement, entreating them to remember God is with them and God will not fail or forsake them. Moses dares to proclaim this good news and the imminent fulfillment of God’s promise to bring these people into the land God promised to Abraham even as Moses himself knows, at 120 years old and not getting about like he once did, that he will not cross into the land with them. Moses has a special and intimate relationship with God, at times God and Moses argue like a married couple over the Israelites, Moses’ face radiates with the glory of the divine after he and God meet face to face, Moses was the one with whom God chose to partner to liberate God’s people from slavery in Egypt. And yet, God’s gifts and promises and partnership with Moses were never for Moses alone. So, Moses hands off the vision, leadership, and trust in a God who never fails or forsakes God’s people and God’s promises to the next generations. And as he does so, he reminds all of those who will walk into the promised land that it is a gift from God for them, but not only for them. Moses calls the people to trust boldly in God for that is choosing life for themselves, but also for their descendants, and if we remember God’s promise to Abraham, then eventually for the whole world. God’s love and grace are for you. They are beautiful and intimate and personal. And yet, they are never for you alone and they are not only personal. God’s love and grace and life are for the whole world. How are you following the example of Moses and looking to the generations ahead and what blessings you have stewarded for a time that you will pass on to them? How are we considering our actions now to ensure that we are choosing life not only for ourselves, but for future generations and for the world? As you stand at the precipice of promise, with whom are you eager to share the life and love God promises? Grace & Peace, Pastor Drew |
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