MOSES, THE MAN OF GOD – BLESSES. Deuteronomy 33 The final public act of a leader carries a certain importance that cannot be easily ignored or forgotten. Moses was forty years old when he "chose rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season." The next forty years of his life were spent learning practical lessons of faith from God as a shepherd and a servant.
This training will serve the man of God well in the years of service ahead. Surviving in a wilderness is impossible without understanding that even in hostile situations, God is there to preserve, protect, and defend the man or woman of faith. The title, "Man of God," is not one to be taken lightly. Someone who follows God despite bodily discomfort but with determination to please God in his spirit and find joy in his soul as he follows where God leads can be called a man of God. The last forty years of Moses' life involved leading God's people and serving God Himself by serving His people. That principle still holds true. We serve God today when we serve His people. It won't always be appreciated, and at times, your efforts will be rejected and you will face unjust criticism. But service done for God is recognized by God, and His approval is all we need.
Moses had been with God's people long enough to understand their quirks and personality traits. Certain characteristics tend to be passed down from one generation to the next. It was remarkable that, for four hundred years, each of Jacob's sons maintained their tribal identity. Even though they had spent years living close together as slaves in Egypt, there didn't seem to be much blending between the tribes.
Parents pass on genetic traits to their children and model their beliefs and lifestyles to the next two generations. As a result, many children do things the same way their parents did. In assembly life, spiritual habits and qualities are also passed down. Each assembly is a unique organism with certain recognizable features that identify it. Spiritual children will take what their spiritual fathers taught and act on it. They, in turn, will pass those lessons on to future generations.
When Moses blessed the Israelites as his final act for their good, he highlighted the different character traits and the outcomes each would bring. From Reuben's basic acts of survival to the fullness of God because they had successfully driven out the enemy, each tribe was recognized in a personal way. Judah stands out as a leader, and Joseph as representing two successful tribes. Levi was faithful in spiritual service, and Asher would prosper materially.
People's differences often influence where God chooses to place us and how He uses us. We are not independent entities, even though we are different. God does not make us all alike, but we all share one goal—the glory of God. The uniqueness of each person helps them fit properly in the body of Christ as well as in the local church. In the case of Israel, the variety of each tribe made them a potentially strong nation.
Differences among people are a positive thing. The variety of how we use different body parts makes the body functional and able to fulfill its purpose. It is important that each of God's people understands who we are personally and also values the differences among our brothers and sisters. Scriptural assemblies are not just many franchises in different areas; each one is a unique fellowship shaped by God to meet the needs of that specific location. There is never a reason to envy the gifts others have. God has equipped each person to do what He desires.
In Israel, one tribe received the best property, while another was given the safest place to live. One tribe brought food from the sea, and another cultivated crops from the land. The nation needed them all to function in the way that was best for everyone. We need every gift God has given to a local church to fulfill our purpose in a community and bear witness to the Lord's name.
It was the tribe of Gad's responsibility to punish the enemies who had corrupted the land of promise. Justice had to be served. Dealing with evil is never pleasant, but evil cannot be allowed to go unchecked. Sometimes, we must act according to scripture and righteousness for the good of all God's people. Discipline is essential for building character in children. Likewise, maintaining order within any group united by a common purpose is necessary. In a military unit, discipline is vital both for offense and defense. The same principle applies among God's people. A key rule in implementing discipline is that it must be just. When the desired outcome can be achieved with mercy, that is also acceptable.
An important thing to remember is that God is for His people. Even when we need correction to change our wrong actions, His discipline is for our safety and security. He is our refuge and will do whatever is necessary to transform us into what He intends. Israel was different from all other nations. They stood alone; they were self-sufficient and secure in the land where God placed them. It was never God's plan for them to adapt to or resemble the surrounding nations. They had been rescued and preserved by God and should have found their joy and satisfaction in being the kind of nation God wanted.
The same applies to God's people today. God does not want us to conform to the ways of social, religious, or political systems that please men. Our duty is to serve the Lord, not men. Political powers often change from one group to another. What was once illegal can become legal simply through the signing of a person's signature. In contrast, God's commands and laws are unchangeable. The social behaviors of most people differ greatly from what the scriptures teach. Parental control, marital fidelity, and family responsibilities are all taught in scripture but have shifted in society. Religious practices have been altered to fit what the majority now desires—almost like a democratic society. However, God's truth remains constant, and we do not have the authority to change what God has decreed. Our commitment must be to God and His Word. He is the eternal God, and "underneath are the everlasting arms."
Not everyone is the same; neither in ancient Israel nor today in this place and time, God’s people are different – yet in some ways similar. Some are impatient, while others are terribly slow. Still, because they belong to the Lord, they are called to be light. Some use their strength, while others are relatively weak. Some will always need help, while others can give help. The only explanation for these differences is that God made them unique, and each of us has the responsibility to choose how we want to live.
Our daughters are different, yet they come from the same line. In some ways, they are alike, and in others, they are unique. Some of their traits come from their mother, and others from me, but both are special to us—nothing can diminish our love for each of them. A Sovereign God has called us, making each believer His own, not because we are important, but because He is God. By grace, we have been chosen, and His work has begun in us, a work that will continue forever. My response to Him should be faithfulness, for I have been loved with His love that knows no limits.
The eternal God is my refuge, and like a soaring eagle in flight, He bears me through life, even when dangers are all around. His arms are underneath me, and the many enemies in sight are pushed away so I can dwell in Him safely and forever. God’s people should be joyful because we are loved. His help and protection are given to keep us safe from harm and to make us useful to Him. There is a special uniqueness in His people because, by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, we are saved, and His everlasting arms keep us from falling.