This week we’re looking at “The Promised Land”, found in Deuteronomy 34. You can read up on it here: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy%2034&version=NIV
Our reading continues the story of Moses. Moses brought the people out of Egypt. Then they wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. When they were hungry, manna and quails were provided by God. When they were thirsty, Moses hit his stick on a rock and water emerged. When they arrived to the land God promised Sarah and Abraham, God took Moses to Mount Nebo to see the Promised Land. Then Moses died.
Moses never made it to the Promised Land and it is said that taking the Israelites there wasn’t his task. His main task was to free the Israelites from the Egyptians and lead them elsewhere. He brought them the Ten Commandments. Provided for them what they needed, with God’s help. Some would say he never finished the job where others might say he did what he was called to do and it was time for another leader to take them further. Fortunately, he was rewarded by God in seeing the Promised Land from afar.
Have you ever had something you were working on, only to learn that you would not be the one finishing it up or closing it off? It sparks a theme of humility. In the context of work, the expectation that you may not be the finisher/closer of a piece of work may exist. But in life, things are a little different. You may walk with someone through their pain and then help get them set up with professional care for the bigger part of their work. You may drive someone to a destination not knowing what they’ll do when they get there. You may give someone on the street a couple of dollars and not know what they’ll really do with it. Humility and trust… that we do our part and give the rest of it to God.
It reminds me of Tim McGraw’s song, “Humble and Kind”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bb_qGChk0GI
A prayer for us today:
God, it feels like we’re climbing mountains some days and that the return to normal life is close at hand, yet still so far away. Help us to do our part, which may be as simple as being vaccinated against COVID-19. Then we will put on humility and trust in hopes that all the things we’re doing will make the difference so we can gather once more. Also help us to recognize the skill sets we have and our own personal limitations, giving us encouragement and permission to delegate tasks that may be beyond us, or to delegate so that we can rest and reflect on how far we’ve come. Continue to walk with us, guiding us on the path of love, hope, and mercy. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Our reading continues the story of Moses. Moses brought the people out of Egypt. Then they wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. When they were hungry, manna and quails were provided by God. When they were thirsty, Moses hit his stick on a rock and water emerged. When they arrived to the land God promised Sarah and Abraham, God took Moses to Mount Nebo to see the Promised Land. Then Moses died.
Moses never made it to the Promised Land and it is said that taking the Israelites there wasn’t his task. His main task was to free the Israelites from the Egyptians and lead them elsewhere. He brought them the Ten Commandments. Provided for them what they needed, with God’s help. Some would say he never finished the job where others might say he did what he was called to do and it was time for another leader to take them further. Fortunately, he was rewarded by God in seeing the Promised Land from afar.
Have you ever had something you were working on, only to learn that you would not be the one finishing it up or closing it off? It sparks a theme of humility. In the context of work, the expectation that you may not be the finisher/closer of a piece of work may exist. But in life, things are a little different. You may walk with someone through their pain and then help get them set up with professional care for the bigger part of their work. You may drive someone to a destination not knowing what they’ll do when they get there. You may give someone on the street a couple of dollars and not know what they’ll really do with it. Humility and trust… that we do our part and give the rest of it to God.
It reminds me of Tim McGraw’s song, “Humble and Kind”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bb_qGChk0GI
A prayer for us today:
God, it feels like we’re climbing mountains some days and that the return to normal life is close at hand, yet still so far away. Help us to do our part, which may be as simple as being vaccinated against COVID-19. Then we will put on humility and trust in hopes that all the things we’re doing will make the difference so we can gather once more. Also help us to recognize the skill sets we have and our own personal limitations, giving us encouragement and permission to delegate tasks that may be beyond us, or to delegate so that we can rest and reflect on how far we’ve come. Continue to walk with us, guiding us on the path of love, hope, and mercy. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.