April 10 - Moses

Today is day 100. Only 265 days until the end of 2011.

Deuteronomy 34: 5,7-12

5 And Moses the servant of the Lord died there in Moab, as the Lord had said.
7 Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone. 8 The Israelites grieved for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days, until the time of weeping and mourning was over. 9 Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites listened to him and did what the Lord commanded Moses. 10 Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, who the Lord knew face to face, 11 who did all those miraculous signs and wonders the Lord sent him to do in Egypt - to Pharaoh and to all his officials and to his whole land. 12 For no one has ever shown the mighty power or performed the awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of all Israel.

Two perspective that are revealed within this passage: the touch of Moses' life on Joshua and the touch of God on Moses' life.

First of all, Joshua had been touched, not only by the laying of hands, but through experience with Moses. When Joshua was with Moses, the spirit moved and was evident. This was a blessing, because the Lord had great things in store for Joshua and had many plans that would need to be carried out. Moses was God's servant and it was clear that the Lord had his hands on him. I have to ask myself: Am I brushing God's hands away when he tries to place them on me? When God is ready to have his plan carried out through my life (whether it be through missions, work, attitude, tithing, service, etc), am I prone to avoiding it and more likely to follow my own path that I've made?

As Christians, we have to be more like Moses. Ready to act on God's will and word.

Secondly, Moses touched the life of Joshua, both physically by the laying of hands, and spiritually, by guiding him towards God. Moses had presented God's plan to him. He encouraged him in previous chapters to be courageous and strong. He also reminded Joshua that God would never leave him or forsake him. This was such a powerful message from Moses to the heart of Joshua. Everyday, I have the opportunity to touch the lives of those I meet in the hallways, on the street, in the neighborhood, in the store, and so forth. I can be a negative influence or a positive influence. They can see evil in me or they can see good in me. God's love can be revealed through my words and actions, or Satan can make his presence known through my disobedient decisions and actions.

When I am 120 years old and I pass away, I hope that I will have changed lives for the better and influenced others to follow God more closely. It's hard to believe I have 94 years of life until the 120 mark. Who knows though? Tomorrow may be my last day. I better get some things in line...

Let others experience the touch that God has placed in your life...