Moses Sees the Promised Land

By Mary Vee

Numbers 27: 12-23 and Deuteronomy 31-32

Moses Thoughts

This morning the Lord told me to go up to Mount Nebo to see the Promised Land.

I've known for a while I wouldn't be allowed to cross the Jordan River because I sinned. God--the Almighty God said in His mercy I coud see the land before my last breath.

He's always let me speak my thoughts to Him, so I asked, "Lord, please choose a man from the children of Israel to lead them and go before them and to keep them from wandering around like sheep without a shepherd." 

He answered, "Take Joshua, the son of Nun, with you and lay your hand on him; he is a man filled with the Spirit. Present him to Eleazar the priest and all the Israelites in a ceremony to show he is the new leader I've chosen."

I asked one of the workers to bring Joshua to me and to call all the people to the meeting place. Joshua arrived a little while later. "What do you need, Moses?"

"We're going to a meeting. Are you ready?"

"Well, yes, but--"

I didn't feel like answering his questions yet. We hurried to the meeting place and waited a few minutes for late comers before I spoke. "My people, I'm 120 years old today. I'm no longer able to lead you. Here we are camped on the Jordan River and I can't cross over with you."

"The Lord you God will go before you. He'll destroy the nations and let you possess the land. Joshua will be your new leader. You'll see the Lord hand your enemies over to you. Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them, for the Lord your God will go with you. He won't leave you or give up on you."

I called Joshua to stand next to me. "Joshua, be strong and of good courage, for you must go with these people to the land which the Lord has promised to their fathers. The Lord will be with you. He will not leave you, do not be afraid or dismayed."

I turned to the priest and gave them the law. "Read this to the people every seven years to teach the children God's laws and to fear the Lord your God."

Joshua and I the walked to the Tabernacle where the Lord gave me a song to teach the people. I wrote down the words and taught them as He said. 

Once the people knew the song well, I raised my staff to speak. "Set your hearts on all the words I've taught you today. Teach your children to be do these commands. By these words you will live longer days in the land God has promised."

I looked at all the people standing before me and remembered our journey. The Lord said, "Moses, it's time to go."

I turned back to the people and blessed the tribes one last time then followed the Lord up Mount Nebo. He helped me see far to the northern tip of the Promised land, to the far west where the Great Sea lies, and to the southern edges. 

He said to me, "This is the land which I promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I have helped you to see it with your own eyes, but you will not go there."

I am so thankful for my God, the great God of Heaven, because He let me see the Promised Land even though I sinned. He gave me health and strength to serve Him all these years. He never left me, nor gave up on me. He showed His love for me every day. I have been blessed.

--And, my friend, He will do the same for you.

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1. Who is Moses?

2. Who did God choose to be the new leader.

3. What did God ask Moses to teach the people in today's story?

4. What did the priest have to do every seven years and why?

5. What mountain did Moses climb?

6. What did he see?

7. Who was with him?

8. Why did he go there?