March 21st

Deuteronomy 31:30-32:52

Psalm 90

Moses wrote a song for the people of Israel. The Lord said to him, “You are about to die and join your ancestors. After you are gone, these people will begin worshipping foreign gods, the gods of the land where you are going. They will abandon Me and break the covenant I have made with them... Now write down the words of this song and teach it to the people... that it may serve as a witness against them” (31:16, 19).

The song is not very heart-warming, to be honest; there’s a somber spirit about the whole thing. Moses started out describing the greatness of God but, then, went on to tell of the unfaithfulness of Israel and the wrath and judgment that awaited them if they abandoned the Lord. This song could not have been easy for Moses to pen or recite. After all that he had been through the last 40 years with these people, you would think that there would have been a feel-good ending, but that was not the case.

After all of Moses’ hard work, and after putting up with all of whining and unfaithfulness, he was told (just as he was getting ready to die) that these people would forsake God and worship idols. That news had to tear Moses’ heart out of his chest! On top of it all, Moses was reminded that he wouldn’t get to enter the Promised Land. Not a good day if you ask me.

But here’s where we must take our hats off to this great prophet. To the bitter end, he did what God commanded, no matter how difficult. Moses would die knowing that he completed all that God had for him and that he did it in good fashion. Sure he made some mistakes along the way, but he finished well. He may not have entered the Promised Land of Canaan, but there was waiting for him another “Promise Land” that was even better. There would be his Lord waiting for him, to bid him “Well done.”

Daily Reflection

Do you know what work it is that God has assigned for you to do in your life? If so, what is it? If not, how can you find out?

God is not too concerned about your happiness, your comfort, or your convenience. He is concerned about your obedience and your faithfulness to His purposes. How faithful have you been to do what He’s given you to do?

When Jesus prayed with His disciples for the last time, He commented on His earthly purpose.
“I have glorified You on the earth,” He said, “having accomplished the work which You have given Me to do” (John 17:4). Herein lies your goal for life — to glorify the Lord, no matter what comes your way, and to accomplish the work that He has given you to do. In doing these things, your Heavenly Father will say to you, “Well done, My good and faithful servant.” No matter how you started, you can finish well.

BiAY.org | Day 80 — 285 Days to Go