Legacy of Power

Deuteronomy 33-34
 
Deuteronomy 34:10-12 There has never been another prophet in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face. 11 The Lord sent him to perform all the miraculous signs and wonders in the land of Egypt against Pharaoh, and all his servants, and his entire land. 12 With mighty power, Moses performed terrifying acts in the sight of all Israel.
 
WE have come to the end of the Torah (law), also called the Pentateuch (five books). These are the five books of the Bible – Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. Through this account, we have read how God has purposefully created and deliberately called Adam, Eve, Abel, Cain, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Aaron, Miriam and Moses to live into significant roles. Yes, some of them were roles opposing God. The believers and nonbelievers were God’s choosing to enact God’s will to be done on earth. Many experienced God’s blessings to enrich their lives. Others knew the wrath of God’s curse. When we stop to consider these lives so profoundly engaged with God, we must be continually aware God is sovereign over all creation and in our most inner being.  
   The three farewell verses to Moses’ life here testify to God’s personal interaction with Moses. God formed Moses’ life, saved his life twice and transformed his life from a slave household, to an Egyptian prince, to a desert shepherd and to Israel’s lawgiver. God did this with a face to face friendship that caused honest reluctance and passionate petitions from Moses. At times, Moses seemed to argue with God and direct God’s actions. And we have cause to wonder if he was even successful to twice change the LORD’s mind to destroy Israel?  
   But as a true mentor, Father and friend, God used the passionate and forceful Moses that he had created for Israel’s good and God’s purpose. Even when Moses wondered about God’s purpose and methods, the LORD sent Moses to perform all the miraculous signs and wonders in the land of Egypt...in the sight of all Israel.
   Through the record of the Torah, Moses would remain in Israel’s sight through Israel’s entire history. Israel’s priests and teachers would claim, “Moses said.” as their ultimate authority. Even Jesus reminded Israel of Moses’ law as the basis for their moral, health and worship laws. Then the Son of God also pointed out the laws were from God. The Son of God honored his prophet while pointing to the ultimate source of Moses’ wisdom and power.
   I AM did a remarkable work of grace through his friend Moses. He wants to do some remarkable work through you, too. Be alert to what he is saying to you. Perhaps he wants to transform you from who you are now to be someone new for his purpose. Through Jesus, the Triune God has passionately demonstrated that he wants to be face to face with you as your friend, Lord, King and Savior. God has done and is doing a most remarkable work throughout time and across the globe. Israel’s journey through the desert to the Promised Land is an illustration for all of us to take to heart. The Good Shepherd leads you. He condemns your sins and forgives your repentance. In Christ, you can conquer strongholds of sin and destroy the Enemy who tempts you away from the Promise. There is a place prepared for you in heaven as you are saved in Jesus’ atoning love. Live as if this is so and leave a legacy of triumph over evil.