Dear church,

At the end of Moses’ life, he could think of nothing other than the people of God. What could he say to convince them to bind themselves to their Redeemer? “There is none like God, O Jeshurun, who rides through the heavens to your help.”

If the people of Israel did not understand this, then all was lost. The 40 years of Moses’ leadership would mean nothing. The exodus, Mount Sinai, the wilderness miracles – all would fade from memory. Moses wanted to leave the people with a crystal clear understanding of the identity of God and his care for them. 

“The eternal God is your dwelling place.” Moses wanted them to dwell there, with God. The people were to find their refuge and protection in God himself. “Happy are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord.” Would they be happy? Would they live out their mission as God’s holy people in a dangerous and sinful land?

At stake was not just the future of Israel but the future of the whole world? The promise still stood: “And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12:3). Moses surely remembered this, too. Would the people remain with God and be the blessing God promised they would be?

We understand the grace of God as we read these words of Moses. God continued to work miracles through an unfaithful people. Israel gave rise to the Messiah, the Savior of the world. God’s sovereign purposes cannot be thwarted.

But Moses’ passion is not unlike that of many spiritual leaders – from pastors to parents – who want nothing more than for those under their charge to draw closer to God. They understand true happiness comes only from Him. And they will preach that message until they are completely out of breath. 

Have you been listening? Are you still preaching?

Chris