Deuteronomy 34 - The Number of Our Days

MDeath. Even among Christian circles, the center of our prayers seems to be health and long life. We cling to our existence here with great tenacity. I am not saying that we wish for death, but so far only a few have escaped it. It is reality unless the Rapture should occur in our lifetimes. Deuteronomy 34 reminds us that our days are determined by God. When our end comes it is God's direction and so that is good. As a Christian we have the assurance that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. 2 Cor 5:8. 

If God has our life and our passing determined by His Sovereign rule can we trust God even in death? Moses did not leave this life kicking and screaming, he submitted to God's Divine authority and yielded even his own life to God. We can trust God in every circumstance. In his passage we learn that Moses was not weak or ill. It was just God's time for him to enter into eternity. 

While I am sure in the flesh he would have loved to go into the promised land, I feel certain that he found eternity with the Lord so much more fulfilling. He knew there was a life that continued beyond his physical life on Earth. You see, our citizenship is in Heaven. We should not and indeed cannot be at home here. We are merely visitors waiting for our passage to our real home. 

While we are here however we are living out a legacy that will continue to be told. Joshua received the Spirit of God upon Hom to lead the people. Moses laid hands on Him and handed down his own legacy to Joshua Deut 34:9. 

Furthermore we see that Moses was remembered for his greatness among all the men of Israel for the signs he performed before Pharoh and it is said there was no other prophet since like Moses. His legacy was of total yieldedness to God and because of that God was able to use Him as an object lesson for the Israelites and for us. 

God has a story He is writing in your life as well.  Like Moses He wants to demonstrate His power in your life. Our challenge is humble submission when our old nature demands "rights". Will we submit to God's plan and see the wonders He would perform?  Will we listen to that Spirit within us that calls us to obedience and worship?  When it is our time can we go with the dying grace that Moses showed - looking forward to the future home in Heaven and not with bitterness about what could have been here?  

The best is yet to come dear Christian. We have just a taste of the fellowship we will have in Heaven and it is sweet. We should be energized to consider the great joy we have in store yet diligently live our lives here to leave a legacy to God that people will consider long after our passing. 

May God richly bless you as you seek Hom and as you serve Him.