Reading: Deuteronomy
34:1-12
On the mount where Jesus was transfigured, two Old Testament
prophets appeared with Him: Moses and Elijah. The Old Testament reading for
Transfiguration this year records Moses’s death, which is unique because God
told Moses that he was about to die, and He, Himself, buried Moses.
We might recall that Moses was not permitted to enter the
Promised Land because of his disobedience to God’s command. When the Israelites
grumbled (a common occurrence during the wandering in the wilderness) because
they didn’t have water, God instructed Moses to speak to the rock so that it
would provide water. Moses became so angry that he struck the rock with his
staff instead of speaking to it. God told Moses that his disobedience meant
that he would not reach that destination he has longed for, but in His mercy
God did two things: He provided water from the rock and He allowed Moses to see
the Promised Land.
In what ways to we hear God’s Word, but, in anger, choose to
strike out instead of speaking in obedience? How have we experienced God’s
mercy despite our disobedience?
Father in Heaven, You
displayed Your firm insistence that we obey You by refusing to allow Moses to
enter the Promised Land, however, You also displayed Your mercy by providing
water and, when Moses died viewing the Promised Land, by burying Him. Thank You
for displaying Your works of Law and Gospel in this manner in Moses’s life.
Forgive us, Lord, for our disobedience, which also sometimes flows from our
anger, and change our hearts so that they conform to Your will. Grant us Your
Holy Spirit so that we will obey You and rejoice in Your mercy. In Jesus’ name
we pray. Amen.
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