A Life Well Lived

Deuteronomy 34:1–12 HCSB

1 Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which faces Jericho, and the Lord showed him all the land: Gilead as far as Dan, 2 all of Naphtali, the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the Mediterranean Sea, 3 the Negev, and the region from the Valley of Jericho, the City of Palms, as far as Zoar. 4 The Lord then said to him, “This is the land I promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ I have let you see it with your own eyes, but you will not cross into it.” 5 So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, as the Lord had said. 6 He buried him in the valley in the land of Moab facing Beth-peor, and no one to this day knows where his grave is. 7 Moses was 120 years old when he died; his eyes were not weak, and his vitality had not left him. 8 The Israelites wept for Moses in the plains of Moab 30 days. Then the days of weeping and mourning for Moses came to an end. 9 Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites obeyed him and did as the Lord had commanded Moses. 10 No prophet has arisen again in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face. 11 He was unparalleled for all the signs and wonders the Lord sent him to do against the land of Egypt—to Pharaoh, to all his officials, and to all his land, 12 and for all the mighty acts of power and terrifying deeds that Moses performed in the sight of all Israel.

Reminder #1: God keeps His promises

Just think of some of the promises acknowledged in the passage.

He was giving the Nation of Israel the Promised Land just like he told Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob he would.

He let Moses see that land just like he said he would.

He prevented Moses from entering into the Land just like He said He would.

Reminder #2: Give honor to whom honor is due

Moses was 120 but had great vision (which means he could see all that he scanned from Mt. Nebo) and great stamina. Don’t forget all his colleagues had died .

God Himself did Moses’ graveside service. (On a side note, you are never alone when you have God with you)

Moses was unparalleled- 10-12. Jude says there was an argument over the body of Moses between the devil and Michael. Wow thats important. Moses and Elijah appeared when Jesus’ glory was revealed in the transfiguration. MOSES WAS A BIG DEAL. It is good and proper to acknowledge people of great character, accomplishment and success.

Reminder #3: Nobody is perfect

Moses had messed up and it cost him. Two things to learn from that.

That can’t be a cop out to not try, to not care, or to not seek to live a holy life.

Failure may have consequences, but the Lord Jesus shows grace. (Moses did not make it to the physical home he wanted to see, but because He had faith in God, he made it to the forever home he wanted to see.)

Don’t let the past beat you up, don’t stay there, stay faithful.

Reminder #4: Everyone can be replaced

So what will you do for God and his kingdom while you are here?

The worker dies but the work goes on.

You’ve only got one life, make it count for the Lord. Quit putting off getting right with God.

Two little lines I heard one day, Traveling along life’s busy way; Bringing conviction to my heart, And from my mind would not depart; Only one life, twill soon be past,

Only what’s done for Christ will last. Only one life, yes only one, Soon will its fleeting hours be done; Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet, And stand before His Judgement seat; Only one life,’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice, Gently pleads for a better choice Bidding me selfish aims to leave, And to God’s holy will to cleave; Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years, Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears; Each with its clays I must fulfill, living for self or in His will; Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore, When Satan would a victory score; When self would seek to have its way, Then help me Lord with joy to say; Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep, In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep; Faithful and true what e’er the strife, Pleasing Thee in my daily life; Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn, And from the world now let me turn; Living for Thee, and Thee alone, Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne; Only one life, “twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, Now let me say,”Thy will be done”; And when at last I’ll hear the call, I know I’ll say “twas worth it all”; Only one life,’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last. ”