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Deuteronomy-34

Upon Mount Nebo: A Devotional Study on Deuteronomy 34​

Introduction​

The book of Deuteronomy comes to an end in the fortieth year of Israel's wilderness journey with Moses ascending Mount Nebo and viewing the Promised Land from afar. In the midst of the transition from Moses' leadership to Joshua's, we can learn profound lessons about following God's will and trusting His faithfulness. Let's explore this final chapter of Deuteronomy.

Section 1: Moses’ Farewell (Deuteronomy 34:1-2)​

Devotional Thought: Moses, the faithful leader, gives one final message to the people. He charges them to listen intently to the words spoken by God through him. Take a moment to reflect on the leaders' imparting of wisdom and call to faithfulness. Consider how their mentorship has influenced you.

Reflection Questions:

  • Whose wisdom and teaching have been most influential in your life? How have they imparted wisdom and called you to faithfulness?

Section 2: The Promise of the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 34:1-4)​

Devotional Thought: God's promise to Abraham was fulfilled, and the people were to enter and possess the land. Moses, understanding the human heart's tendency toward rebellion, prayed that God would not let the people witness the abundance of the land and turn from following God's lead. Consider your own response as promises in your life are fulfilled. Trust that God will fulfill His promises and uphold your heart's loyalty to Him.

Reflection Questions:

  • How do you respond when promises in your life are fulfilled?
  • How can your heart remain loyal to God as promises come to fruition?

Section 3: Moses’ Groaning (Deuteronomy 34:5-7)​

Devotional Thought: Moses felt the weight of the nation's republication and the shepherd's responsibility on his aging heart. He asked God to appoint a successor. Moses' plea is a poignant illustration of our own need to relinquish what we can't sustain and trust in God's sustaining. Today, consider what you must relinquish to trust in God's will.

Reflection Questions:

  • What do you cling to that you must relinquish to trust in God's providence?

Section 4: The Glory of God (Deuteronomy 34:8-12)​

Devotional Thought: As Moses ascended Mount Nebo, the Lord revealed His divine glory. God's majesty, power, and faithfulness exceed any human leader. Today, lean into the knowledge of God's supreme glory and His inclination to be faithful to you.

Reflection Questions:

  • How does perceiving God's supreme glory enhance your trust in His eternal faithfulness?

Conclusion:​

Moses' life embodies the ebb and flow of following God's will. He led with passion, faced rebellion, asked for guidance, and relinquished leadership for the next generation. May we learn from Moses' life, trusting in God's will and faithfulness. We, too, are faced with moments of leadership, relinquishment, and renewal. May we live according to God’s will, recognizing His glory and faithfulness always.