Deuteronomy 34 – July 6
Oh beloved, sin can costs us so much as we see evidenced here in the life and death of Moses. God in His graciousness allows Moses a panoramic look across the Promised Land before he dies even though he isn’t allowed to enter in. Moses died knowing that God is a promise keeper and was certainly fulfilling His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Moses received discipline at the hand of the Lord but how sweet their relationship that God would give Him this privilege and then literally bury Moses Himself (v.6).
Friends, there is a thought today with which I want to encourage you. It is indeed true that Moses did not get to enter the Promised Land. What did this mean for his eternal destiny? I have many times mentioned how events, places, people, and ceremonial rituals are pictures of a fulfilled reality in the New Testament. Although this is certainly true we must not take it to an unbiblical extreme. For example, the Israelites slavery in Egypt is often viewed as a picture of our slavery to sin and the exodus is God’s deliverance from that slavery. That is certainly a valid connection. On the other hand, we must be careful when we relate the Promised Land to heaven. If you read this chapter and realize that Moses died without getting to the Promised Land you may draw the wrong conclusion that Moses did not get to heaven. This would certainly not be true.
Although Moses was not allowed to enter the Promised Land because of his sin, he most definitely entered heaven because of his faith in God. How do I know that? Well if you consider the incident recorded in Matthew 17:1-8 known as the transfiguration, you will remember that on the mountain top with Jesus in His glory stood Elijah and Moses. There we find Moses alive and well in the presence of the Lord Jesus and still very much a part of God’s activity in heaven and the world. Again, my heart is warmed knowing that even though our sins can cost us tremendously, one thing we can never lose once we have it is our place in the family of God. Jesus said, “My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand” (John 10:29). There truly is nothing that can separate us from the Father’s love (Romans 8:38-39).
I don’t ever want to make light of sin because you can see in the life of Moses that sin cost him so much. Have you ever stopped to think that it was not his physical condition that caused him to die but his spiritual condition? Look at verse 7 where it says, “Although Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died, his eye was not dim, nor his vigor abated.” See, physically he was fine. Moses literally lost his life because of his sin. Sin is serious and should never be toyed with or winked at because of God’s ability and willingness to forgive us our sins. Beloved, don’t take for granted His mercy and grace. You sin will cost you blessings and may just cost you more than that. But, praise God for the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross who made the way to heaven for us. One thing is for certain – “Jesus went to prepare a place for us and will one day return to take us home so that where He is will shall be too” (John 14: 1-3).