LAST BIRTHDAY. Deuteronomy 31 Moses would certainly regret the fact that God refused to allow him to enter the promised land. He had taken the place of divine authority when he struck the rock in his anger instead of speaking to it as the Lord had commanded. Now, it was made clear to him and to the people of Israel that it was the Lord God of Israel who was leading them into the land of promise, not a mere man. Despite missing out on entering the promised land, he continued to lead and teach the people, making all of Israel understand that God's leadership was what mattered. That leadership would not end when Moses died. He was getting old, it’s true, but even more important than Moses' 120th birthday was the fact that Israel was to move into the land of promise, and he would not be going with them.
There comes a time in every person's life and work when God wants others to finish or carry on what they have started. We may wonder whether they can do it or how well they will do it, but that really isn't our concern. We've had our turn. We have done what we believed was God's will. Now, the time has come to let go and allow others to take over. They will probably do some things differently than we would. The work will take on a different character than what we initially gave it. That doesn't mean it is more right or wrong than when we were involved. It is simply different. Part of our responsibility at this stage is to ensure there are others we have helped prepare for the task. "The things thou hast heard of me, among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also."
The Israelites didn’t have a Bible or any religious books, so they were told that every seventh year, when they gathered together, they should listen to God’s word being read aloud. The laws were read to everyone—old and young—because they were meant to be kept by all the people. Maybe some could memorize parts that seemed relevant to them, but more important was their obedience to what was read from God's word. The scrolls that Moses wrote on were kept with the ark.
The only way we can truly please God is by obeying what we read, hear, and are taught from the scriptures. To know God and serve Him acceptably, we must read and understand what He says. A meaningful and loving relationship with God relies on our free will. Our response to God and His word is voluntary, not forced. God is not indifferent when bad things happen, but He does not force people against their will. His power is limitless, but in His sovereignty, He has given humans the ability to choose what they believe and do.
Joshua was chosen to lead the people after Moses died, and God clearly showed this when they went to the Tabernacle. Leading God’s people requires divine empowerment as a shepherd and leader who operates under the authority of One who is all-knowing and all-powerful.
Joshua was a proven and dependable man. He was willing to serve and live in the shadow of Moses for many years. In skill, he was a capable soldier who could understand a dangerous situation and lead others to victory through God's power. In courage, he was ready to take on risky and difficult tasks and see them through. When others showed fear and hesitation, he stood firm against them. His bravery was clear, and his strength of character—both mental and physical—was guided by his willingness to serve God.
The Lord's people are neither blind nor mute. They recognize a person's character by how he reacts under pressure. They understand when he knows to remain silent and when to speak with something worthwhile to say. They also notice when someone lives with a constant awareness of the Lord's presence. Courage in spiritual life is often tested, and God's people can see when someone acts with faith despite the difficulties they face. A person who knows God's Word has credibility that cannot be earned in any other way. Someone with these qualities usually gains the trust of God's people and is easily recognized as a trustworthy leader.
During Moses' busy leadership, he was guided by the Holy Spirit to write down all these laws, commandments, and statutes to be passed down to future generations of God's people. These were kept by the priests who carried the ark when it was moved. The words he wrote were carefully preserved, and in the seventh year, when indentured servants were released, they were read publicly for everyone to hear. Children born in the last seven years would be old enough to listen with respect and understand what they heard. Fourteen-year-olds would be reminded again of their own responsibility to make decisions under God's laws. Those who were twenty-one would remember that they now have adult responsibilities resting on their shoulders.
The reading of the law would remind them of the boundaries of God's will that they must stay within. Each seventh year, all the people would hear the words of the law read at the last feast, the Feast of Booths, and they would have time after the reading to discuss it among themselves over the seven days and also with others. They would all be expected to know the law and act accordingly. No doubt much of it would have been memorized. If not word for word, at least subject by subject, so no one could claim ignorance as an excuse for breaking the law.
The Word of God should be stored in our hearts and minds, kept hidden there, so we will not sin against the Lord. Its truths are meant to guide us in character development, decision-making, and when judgments are made. We have no excuse for ignorance of God's Word because we have it recorded in our own language, and our personal copies are available to us. The importance of teaching God's truths from Scripture to our children cannot be overstated. It must be read and studied prayerfully, carefully, with proper interpretation and reasonable application. Teaching the Word of God to our young people should be emphasized, starting when they are young and continued consistently.
Moses' service was drawing to a close, and on this 120th birthday, his final instructions likely meant a great deal to him as well as to those he spoke for on God's behalf. He understood that the children of Israel would fail to keep the Lord's commandments, but that did not stop him from loving and caring for them, just as a father loves and cares for his children, even knowing their flaws. Neglecting God's things and taking His blessings for granted come with a heavy price that cannot be avoided.
We can teach and plead. We can present the exposition and application of God's Word to the people. We can warn them of the consequences of disobedience and carelessness. Ultimately, the decision for righteousness and truth, or disobedience and rebellion, rests with each individual. Stubbornness and a hard-hearted, rebellious nature ensure there will be a high price to pay. The Israelites were rebellious by nature, and Moses knew that. Even though we understand what some people are like and try to help them understand God's will and Word, the time will come when they will decide for themselves how far they are willing to go in the life of faith.
Probably the best way we can help our young people is by giving them the Word of God, "line upon line, precept upon precept; here a little and there a little," and then guiding them on how to apply those truths to themselves. That requires time, perseverance, and patience, but it is worth the effort. Moses understood what the people were like, but he did not give up on them until the end of his life. Those of us who are older need to stay true to our convictions and our calling consistently until the very end. This is the legacy we can pass down to our children and grandchildren.
“It’s time to move”; the priests move forward with fear and trembling, fearing they might die. They proceed with bated breath toward where God resides in Holy Splendor, Awesome Truth, and dwells with men. The covering veil that hung between is the first to fall, touched by the seraph’s wings hovering over the mercy seat. Then, the badger skins are laid over it, providing thick protection for all inside. That Ark was terrifying because it was the sacred place where God dwelled among men.
Then hands so wet with nervous sweat reach out to the covering of heavenly blue, and with careful folds, each golden part is covered, lest wrong eyes see that which only the high priest can see. That is where God dwells with men. But what is this? A thick rolled scroll, wrapped so carefully, is placed beside the Holy Ark that graced the Holiest of all in light. That space was reserved for God alone, who was willing to dwell with men. With careful hands and a faith-filled heart, the man whom God saw face to face sat down to fully write the law of God. From now on, everywhere those who love the Lord gather, they will know that God dwells with men and speaks through His Word.
That Word of God, so true and full of light, is placed where all men know that God lives. That place where saving bloodstains are seen is shared with words from God’s own lips. Those words guide the sons and daughters to remind them that God dwells with men.