A Bittersweet Goodbye

“I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not go over there.” -Deuteronomy 34:4

And so we have the last recorded words from God to Moses. Moses, the man God used to bring His people out of slavery in Egypt, the man who brought the Law to the nation of Israel, who guided them through the desert toward the promised land, who was used of God to do many miraculous works, now stands on the top of Mount Nebo. With his eyes he could see the promised land, but he would not enter it. He had failed to treat the Lord as holy, and took lightly the provision of water from the rock at Meribah. He had failed to give God glory for being the provider, and because of that he would not go in with Israel. While God had been abundantly merciful to his people, He was also holy and righteous, and demanded to be treated as such.

As I consider this poignant moment in Scripture, I picture Moses standing atop the mountain reflecting on all of God’s goodness to Israel during his days. They were on the brink of the promised land! They were going to go in! But Moses was not. In my mind, I can see tears rolling down his cheeks as he thinks of how joyful it would be to encamp in the promised land with his people. But this would not happen, because of his sin. A bitter pill to swallow.

And yet for Moses, it must certainly have been sweet. To know that Israel would enter in, that he was used by God to bring them to this place must have brought great joy. Even more than that, Moses could be confident that he would indeed enter the promised land! For he was a man of faith, a man who trusted in the Lord, who “considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward (Hebrews 11:26).” That’s right, a man who lived a couple thousand years before Christ bore reproach for Christ’s sake. And you know what else? Christ bore Moses’ reproach on the cross of calvary! Because of the death and resurrection of Jesus, Moses will see and enter the promised land one day, side by side with all children of Jesus Christ! He will have his reward!

Thank You Father for your many perfections! You are perfect in holiness, perfect in power, perfect in grace and mercy. The list could go on and on. Thank You for Your Son Jesus, through whom Your children are made able to see the promised land one day!