Greatest Influence

"These are the words which Moses spake unto all Israel beyond the Jordan in the wilderness, in the Arabah over against Suph, between Paran, and Tophel, and Laban, and Hazeroth, and Dizahab. It is eleven days’ journey from Horeb by the way of mount Seir unto Kadesh-barnea. And it came to pass in the fortieth year, in the eleventh month, on the first day of the month, that Moses spake unto the children of Israel, according unto all that Jehovah had given him in commandment unto them; after he had smitten Sihon the king of the Amorites, who dwelt in Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan, who dwelt in Ashtaroth, at Edrei. Beyond the Jordan, in the land of Moab, began Moses to declare this law, saying,". -Deuteronomy 1.1-5

Here in the book of Deuteronomy we have the final words of Moses. If we look closely at what takes place in the next thirty-four chapters we'll see that it is here, in his final days and hours, that Moses gives his greatest messages to Israel. The nation is on the border of the Promised Land, and because of his actions at Meribah, this is as close as Moses will get.

We see here the character of a great leader. After being told he would not enter the land Moses continued to lead the people in the wilderness. Here on the edge he gives them what would become the most central teaching in Israel, but more on this later. A selfish leader who is only in it for himself wouldn't have put up with these people knowing he wouldn't receive the blessing, but that isn't the type of leader Moses is. Moses not only leads them but on the edge gives his most influential teachings to them. He could have become bitter, but he didn't and because if that God used Him fully, right up until the end if his life.

Men, there will come a time in each of our lives when we get news we aren't thrilled about. There may even come a time when we learn we won't see the fulfillment of what we have worked so hard to accomplish. It is how we respond in those moments that most define us. Do we become bitter and angry, selfishly hoarding our remaining years and a life of experience? Or do we accept what God has said, and allow Him to continue to use us fully, having our greatest influence?

Moses didn't want to die on Nebo, but his desire to live obediently to God was stronger than his desire for personal satisfaction. Because of this, God gave Moses his greatest influence at the end. Do we desire to live with the same obedience? Are we living so that God can use us to our fullest potential? Will we have our greatest influence or is that behind us?

Let us strive to be great leaders. May our greatest influence come at the end of our lives as the result of complete obedience to God.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor