Note: (CL) = Controling Lesson (OT) = Old Testament (OTA) = Old Testament Alternative (NT) = New Testament (NTA) = New Testament Alternative (G) = Gospel (GA) = Gospel Alternative (Ps) = Psalm; one of these will follow all lessons for the week.

Note: Please be sure to look at previous posts because some of the week may have already been posted.


Monday, March 31, 2014

The Fifth Sunday in Lent (OTA)

Deuteronomy 3:23-29
23 “And I pleaded with the Lord at that time, saying, 24 ‘O Lord God, you have only begun to show your servant your greatness and your mighty hand. For what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do such works and mighty acts as yours? 25 Please let me go over and see the good land beyond the Jordan, that good hill country and Lebanon.’ 26 But the Lord was angry with me because of you and would not listen to me. And the Lord said to me, ‘Enough from you; do not speak to me of this matter again. 27 Go up to the top of Pisgah and lift up your eyes westward and northward and southward and eastward, and look at it with your eyes, for you shall not go over this Jordan. 28 But charge Joshua, and encourage and strengthen him, for he shall go over at the head of this people, and he shall put them in possession of the land that you shall see.’ 29 So we remained in the valley opposite Beth-peor.

As Moses knows his death is soon coming, he will strengthen Joshua to follow in his leadership. Joshua will be commissioned to lead this people. Joshua will have to lead them in battle. He will have to teach them in the ways of the Lord. He will even have to protect the people from abandoning God.

Moses knows the power of God. Moses and the people have seen his might signs. Even though these people were not the ones brought up out of the Land of Egypt, they have seen his mighty works in the desert. Moses is begging God, and flattering God to allow him to view the promised land.

We have not seen these great deeds. But there are many who still want to see proof of the promised land. There are many people who want to see the dead come back to life. There are others desiring a glimpse into Eternal life, or heaven. Even some want to be fully feared by the threat of Hell. We all desire proof and want to see what is coming around the bend.

The truth is God reveals this to us. He reveals to us the suffering and pain that people will face in Hell, through watching people with dementia, cancer, Parkinsons, and various other diseases. These people show us what Hell must really be like. There are others who are lavished in greatness. People living the so-called high life, they have no need or wants (yet are not satisfied).

Eternal life is the true and perfect promised land. It is a land filled with good things. It is the land of the living (eternally). It is the place where we will once again walk with God. You can look to the north or south or what ever direction you want, but you will only see a glimpse of the glory that is to come. Think of the most beautiful place on earth, and remember it is only a glimpse or shadow of the things to come. Thanks be to God for preparing the Way (Jesus Christ our Lord is the only way to eternal Life).


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