Lord, you have been our refuge from generation to generation. Before the mountains were brought forth, or the earth was born, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. Psalm 90:1-2
Reading. Deuteronomy 34:1-12 This is the story of Moses death and the passing on of leadership to Joshua. Moses had been the great leader of the people who at God’s command had led them into deliverance from slavery and now to the very borders of the Promised Land. Moses had also been the one who as lawgiver had disclosed the Lord’s chosen way of living. Despite all his great achievements at God’s command he did not pass into the Promised Land. As we reflect on Moses story we might feel there was a sense of injustice that his way into the Promised Land was barred. However, we need to remember that this is not Moses story, it is God’s story and God, by preventing Moses from entering the Land allowed him a peaceful and fully fulfilled death. As the story unfolds it is clear that God had called Moses home. This call came after Moses was able to gaze out over all the lands that God had promised to Abraham. In essence his work was complete and Moses would have known that he had accomplished all that God required of him. It was God’s gracious choice to relieve Moses of the burden the fighting and struggles that still lay ahead. This was left to Joshua a younger leader. Moses was named a friend of God’s and so he was with his Friend as he passed from life to death, and on eternally with God. With the completion of his ministry work Moses was solemnly mourned for the people knew how great a leader they had lost. In the biblical story Moses is one of the towering leaders who had such an intimate relationship with God that he faithfully spoke out the word of God. Moses did not enter the Promised Land but in God’s story he is still recognised as one of the great leaders of God’s people. That is all the reward that he would need.
Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations. Psalm 100:2,5 NKJV
Prayer. Gracious Lord, you are faithful and filled with mercy. You know us better than we know ourselves and your way for us is always perfect. Help us to trust you more and more through all the twisting paths of life. Our Lord Jesus Christ was the way, the truth, and the life. Lead us that we do not settle on any other way than His true way. Teach us by your Holy Spirit to follow where you lead in faithful obedience. So may our lives give honour and glory to you. This we pray, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Reading. Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17 This prayer of Moses places God far above all things. God is above all and primary, there are none with whom God can be compared. As this psalm is set out as a prayer of deliverance it may be connected with the rebellion recorded in Numbers ch. 14 where the people when faced with the challenge of entering the Promised Land, decide to chose a new leader and march straight back to the bondage of Egypt. In his prayer Moses is appealing to God and also recognising before God how insignificant humanity is when compared to God’s might and power. Implicit in the prayer is the understanding that our pride makes us think that there are times when we can call the shots! Moses is lifting that arrogance to God and pleading for mercy. Who considers the power of your anger? Your wrath is as great as the fear that is due you. Psalm 90:11 (NRSV) Moses recognises that it is God who is in control and we need to understand that before we form any plans. The God to whom Moses appeals is an awesome God who sweeps all before him. Yet in the final summing up of his prayer, Moses has no hesitation in trusting completely in the mercy and love of God and looking to God to allow humanity to serve God in every endeavour. The psalmist puts our insignificance in a proper perspective. Before God we are as nothing and yet despite that truth, God’s love surrounds us and it is God’s grace and favour which allows us to live productive and honourable lives. Moses used God’s power to accomplish his service. Now we, though centuries on can also serve God using the same power. This is both an amazing and an encouraging thought.
Prayer. Lord, you have taught us through your word that the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. Grant that we, being surrounded by the grace that comes through Jesus, may love you so much, that we rejoice to keep your law. By your strengthening may we fulfil your will. Grant us the insight to hold to those principles of daily living which honour you. May we not be daunted by our insignificance but drawing on your power we may achieve those things for which you have equipped us. This we ask for Jesus Christ’s sake. To the honour and glory of you name. Amen
Collect. Lord, you have taught us through your Son that love is the fulfilling of the law. Send your Holy Spirit upon us, and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of love, that we may love you with our whole being, and our neighbours as ourselves; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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