Biblical
Reference: Deuteronomy 34:1-12
Focused on verses 7-9
7 Moses was one hundred twenty years old when he died; his sight was
unimpaired, and his vigor had not abated. 8 The Israelites wept for
Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days; then the period of mourning for Moses
was ended.
9 Joshua son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom because Moses
had laid his hands on him, and the Israelites obeyed him, doing as the Lord had commanded Moses.
11 He was unequaled for all the signs and wonders that the Lord sent him to perform in the land of
Egypt, against Pharaoh and all his servants and his entire land, 12 and
for all the mighty deeds and all the terrifying displays of power that Moses
performed in the sight of all Israel.
Deuteronomy 34:1-12 talks about
God's faithfulness, death of Moses and the succession of Joshua. Before the
death of Moses, the LORD has allowed him to see the land that the LORD has
promised to Abraham, to Isaac, and Jacob. But the LORD did not allow Moses to
reach the land because of the sin he made in Meribah when he disobeyed God by
striking the rock to produce water instead of telling the rock to yield its
water as the LORD instructed him. Moses died in Moab at 120 years at the LORD’s
command. But his sight was unimpaired, and his vigor/ strength has not gone.
Israelites took time to mourn until mourning had ended and then Joshua
succeeded Moses and the Israelites obeyed. Some people died because of
illnesses and old age. And for others, death is the end. But what happened to
Moses is the complete opposite. Moses was still strong. Now I would like to
share How God is upon his people from one generation to another, from the time
of Moses to our time.
God sustains his people. For 120 years, Moses
remains his sight and strength. Throughout these years God has provided for his
needs and the Israelites. Looking back, the Lord sent Moses to perform mighty
deeds, signs, and wonders. For instance, the 10 plagues and the provision for
the needs of the Israelites during the 40 years of journey in the wilderness
and most of all to give them identity as they were freed from captivity and
received the promised land. How old are
you now? Are you in your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, or more? How has God been
sustaining you? Actually, the everyday life that you and I have now,
praising and worshiping Our God, is an evidence of God’s sustaining
grace. And today is Harris Sunday and Harris Memorial College is
currently celebrating its 120 years of existence. Harris remained standing
because of God. God made Harris to produce servant-leaders who are anchored to
the life of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Some are now in their careers and
vocations, serving others in the name of Christ. Indeed, God is sustaining us.
God, throughout the ages, will always sustain our sight to see his Greatness
and our strength due to his will.
God fulfills his promise. From
Moses to Joshua God remains faithful. God is a promise keeper. Regardless of
the sins and unbelief of the Israelites, God’s promises still stand. Regardless
of our shortcomings, and doubt, God is faithful to keep his promise. His
promise was passed unto the next generation beyond the border of Israel. We are
part of God’s promises through our Lord Jesus Christ. That promise is having
peace, forgiveness of sins, no more mourning, crying, and pain, a life with the
Father in heaven. Before I enter Harris, I ask the Lord to be my Sponsor
throughout my education. I trust Him, and yes this is now my senior year of
being a student deaconess and God provided me in my entire years a good health,
guidance, and financial assistance. And I give All glory to God. For 120 years
Harris has been moving forward carrying her vision to be a leading institution
of learning for Christ-like service. And a mission to develop Christ like
leaders through holistic education for the transformation of the world. God be
with us. God be with Harris. Let us trust God’s promise to us.
God’s Word remains with the people.
The time of Moses ended and the shifting of one generation to
another began. The leadership was passed unto Joshua, son of Nun. A new leader
stands and there is making of a new generation and new journey but what still
remains is the Word of God. The Israelites obeyed the commandment of the LORD. 9
Joshua son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid
his hands on him, and the Israelites obeyed him, doing as the LORD had
commanded Moses. And they kept moving forward to the promised land. We
are in our journey of our Christian life. Days and years are moving forward.
The Harris Memorial College is on the making of its 121 years. And the Lord Our
God is reminding us to always walk with Him and be guided by His Word. In the
Old Testament they followed the Mosaic Law or the ten (10) commandments. But in
the New Testament which is the continuing faith generation, Jesus, the Son of
God, has given us the greatest commandment. Let me read to you the Gospel
according to Matthew 22:36-40. 36 “Teacher, which commandment
in the law is the greatest?” 37 He said to him, “‘You shall love the
Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your
mind.’ 38 This is the greatest and first commandment. 39 And
a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On
these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” These
commandments are centralized in love which is far greater than the law. Let us
remember God’s commandment and obey it. How can we love the Lord our God, or
our neighbor as ourselves.? 1 John 3: 18 says 18 Little
children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth.
Matthew 25 35 for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty
and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I
was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was
in prison and you visited me.’40 And the king will answer them,
‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and
sisters of mine, you did it to me. Loving God is loving our neighbor
and loving our neighbor is loving God.
Now, brothers and sisters in
Christ, as we turn the page, we need to get back and remember how God is upon
his people from one generation to another, from the time of Moses to our
time. The Lord our God sustains us, The Lord our God keeps his promises,
and Thy Word is with us.
I would say this prayer of Moses in
Psalm 90:1, 16-17.
1
Lord, you have been our dwelling place
in all
generations.
16 Let your
work be manifest to your servants,
and your
glorious power to their children.
17 Let the
favor of the Lord our God be upon us,
and prosper
for us the work of our hands —
O prosper
the work of our hands!
In the name of the Father and of the Son, and the Holy Spirit
Amen.
Comments
Post a Comment