When We're Gone

"So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord. And He buried him in the valley in the land of Moab, opposite Beth-peor; but no man knows his burial place to this day. Although Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died, his eye was not dim, nor his vigor abated. So the sons of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days; then the days of weeping and mourning for Moses came to an end. Now Joshua the son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him; and the sons of Israel listened to him and did as the Lord had commanded Moses. Since that time no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, for all the signs and wonders which the Lord sent him to perform in the land of Egypt against Pharaoh, all his servants, and all his land, and for all the mighty power and for all the great terror which Moses performed in the sight of all Israel." -Deuteronomy 34.5-12

Here, at the end of his mission, Moses dies and is buried by God. Before his death God allows him to view the land from the top of Mt. Nebo. Had he not disobeyed God he would have been given the opportunity to lead the people into the land, but no man is above God, and Moses accepts the consequences of his actions. God raises a new leader, Joshua, who is filled with the spirit to lead the people into the land.

Men, one day, regardless of how holy and righteous we may strive to be, our lives will end. How are we living until then? Would we be like Moses, blessed to be able to see the land? Would it be said of you that no one like you has risen? Are you preparing others to step up and lead when you are gone?

Let us live lives like Moses, God dependant, servant minded, honorable leader. Let us live lives worth remembering and speaking of when we're gone.

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

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor

Pictures from Mt. Nebo. The view was a bit disappointing as it was January and overcast. I was barely able to see the northern edge of the Dead Sea. In the summer when the sky is clear you are supposed to be able to see the Sea of Galilee in the north and the Mediterranean in the west. All of Israel is to supposed to be visible from the summit of Nebo. I'm hoping to be back at some point on a clear day to take in the view.