Gtcotr/ss010123
A little over 1400 years before Jesus was born, Moses was camped out with the children of Israel along the West Bank of the Jordan River in the plains of Midian. Moses was 120 years old and was preparing the Israelites to embrace a new day. Moses was about to die, and God had chosen Joshua to be the new leader.
In that place, at that time, Moses was feeling the same thing Jesus would feel when it came time for Him to depart His earthly passion and purpose and entrust the work of God to others. Moses wanted to give clear instructions and be a strong encouragement to those who had been chosen to replace him.
Moses knew God was not going to make others lead His children in the right path, but he knew God was going to help them if they would. You see …
God
does not make you do what He wants you to do, but He will help you if you will
only try. Life is full of choices. We choose … just like:
·
Esther
– She did not have to intercede for her nation, she chose to. (Esther 4)
·
Gideon
– He didn’t have to destroy the nation’s idols, he chose to. (Judges 6&7)
·
Samson
– He didn’t have to stand against the enemies of God, he chose to. (Judges 16)
·
Daniel
– He didn’t have to risk his life by praying in public, he chose to. (Daniel 6)
·
Joseph
and Nicodemus – They didn’t have to bury Jesus, they chose to. (John 19)
·
Mary
Magdalene – She didn’t have to go to the garden tomb before sunrise, she chose
to. (John 20)
·
The
woman with the issue of blood in Mark 5 – She didn’t have to press in to touch
Jesus, she chose to.
·
The
lad with the 2 fishes and 5 barley loaves – He didn’t have to give his lunch to
Jesus, but he chose to. (John 6)
·
Zacchaeus
– He didn’t have to give the money back from the people he robbed, with
interest … but he chose to. (Luke 19)
·
Cornelius
– He didn’t have to pray and give money to help the poor, but he chose to.
(Acts 10)
·
Ruth
– She didn’t have to help her widowed mother-in-law, but she got to. (Ruth)
· Rahab – She didn’t have to hide the spies, but she chose to. (Joshua 2)
Just like these and so many more, we get to choose what we do and who we are going to be in every situation. We get to choose if we are going to be a good and godly spouse; an obedient child; a willing worker; a loyal friend; a covenant partner; a kind stranger; a loving grandparent; or a fair boss.
Over 3400 years ago Moses stood on the West Bank of the Jordan River and spoke his parting words to Joshua and the Children of Israel. All he could do was hope they would choose to do what was best for God and for them. The people knew what was right … God always makes sure his children know what is right. However, the choice is always up to them …
Deuteronomy 30:19 “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!”
The Gospel of John shares a sad concern:
John 1:17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
John 3:19 “And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.”
It’s a sad day when people who have been given the choice, choose what is less than best for themselves and others. Some people choose darkness.
Concluding his parting words that day, Moses said:
Deuteronomy 32:47 These instructions are not empty words — they are your life! By obeying them you will enjoy a long life in the land you will occupy when you cross the Jordan River.”
Have you chosen life and blessings, or death and curses? It is your life! As sure as there was a man named Moses, this word is true. It is your life and the choice is yours. Choose today!
How can you make this choice? Here is how Moses answered that question along with a promise he attached if you make the right choice:
Deuteronomy 30:20 You can make this choice by loving the LORD your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the LORD, you will live long in the land the LORD swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”
Here
is the key to your life:
·
Love
the Lord your God.
·
Obey
the Word of God.
· Commit yourself completely to Him.
And
you’ll have a happy new year and a blessed life all year long!
