In these few short verses, we read of Moses’ passing and the beginning of Joshua’s leadership. In a quick review of his life we often split it in thirds. 40 years in Pharaohs house, 40 years in Jethro’s house, and 40 years in the wilderness leading the Israelites to the Promised Land. He spent the last third journeying toward the land he would never step foot in and only seeing it from a mountain top on the east side of the Jordan River. In human terms it can seem sad and even unfair that this great leader who lead millions and at times interceded with God on their behalf to preserve them would die alone without so much as a stone to mark his grave. 

We have the opportunity through the word to view Moses as God saw him. He didn’t die a beleaguered old man worn out and tired from the 120 years that offered many hard challenges. His natural force was not abated and his eyes were not dim. He was still in his prime for God was with him, the almighty creator God that knew him face to face. No other man can say that. His face radiated from that experience so much that they put a veil on him so others could look at him. In Jude verse 9 we read that Satan disputed with Michael over Moses’ body, apparently losing because Moses met with Christ on the mount of transfiguration. Finally, in Hebrews 3:5 we read that Moses was verily faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after. Moses fulfilled what God had for him to do, then Joshua fulfilled what God had for him. Both leading Gods people, both doing God’s will, but with two different objectives. Moses took a group of slaves, gave them the law, and in one generation transformed them into a nation who could govern themselves. Joshua took that nation and conquered the Canaanite world. We humans see a life starting in a basket and ending alone on a mountain. God sees Moses in eternity and a continual chain of mankind starting in a garden and ending in a new heaven. 

As we experience our lives on earth, we see many changes of the guard. Generations come and go; presidents get elected and go out of office. Leaders in churches, businesses, and organizations serve and retire. With each change we see differences in styles and approaches as individuals fulfill their God given appointments. But God is always on the throne and His will is ultimately being accomplished. We all have the opportunity, by the grace of God, to overcome our handicaps (Moses’ speech); our fears (Moses ‘fear of punishment for the Egyptian he murdered); rejection (Pharaoh kept hardening his heart); resistance (people kept wanting to go back); and disappointment (the people made a golden calf) - and still run the race that is set before us. In doing so we, like Moses, will have our place in God’s kingdom and become links in God’s whole plan for mankind. 

May it be said of each of us that we have the testimony of being faithful in our house, as a God’s servant.

God’s blessings on your day!