“A view of the Promised Land”
Moses went up from the plains of Moab. —Deuteronomy 34:1
Read Deuteronomy 34:1-4
The Lord brought Moses to Mount Nebo, which was also where Moses would die. When the Israelites had complained about the lack of water, instead of speaking to the rock as the Lord had commanded, Moses angrily struck it. The Lord still gave the much-needed water, but this rash disobedience necessitated punishment. God cannot tolerate the sin of a man who had been given such an important position, who was an example for others. Just like his brother Aaron, Moses would not be permitted to enter the Promised Land.
And yet, before Moses died, the Lord took him to Mount Nebo so he could see the land of Canaan. The Lord even showed him where the tribes would live. Was this cruel? Moses would never enter that land. That is true. But the Lord permitted him a view of the earthly Canaan while He prepared him for the heavenly Ca-naan. And there, Moses would experience eternal rest. He would no longer have to deal with a complaining nation, or with a multitude of difficulties and sorrows. There he would experience eternal bliss and joy. He would see the Lord as He is and would be without sin.
Is that also your longing? Although you are in the middle of your life, have there been moments in your life that you longed to be with the Lord? Does this longing characterize your life? Do you desire to serve Him without sin? The Lord can grant you that desire. Quietly meditate on these things and the Lord will fill your heart with His peace.
Why was Moses not permitted to enter Canaan?
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