Deut 3-4

by Paul Ice

It is a constant theme to see the promises of the Lord throughout the Bible.  This passage explains that the promises given here were given for many purposes. 

1. “Do not fear,”
2.  “. . .charge Joshua, and encourage and strengthen him,”
3. Other nations will say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’
4. “. . .what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the Lord our God is to us, whenever we call upon him.”
5. “To you it was shown, that you might know that the Lord is God; there is no other besides him.”

But I would like to note the dialogue at the end of chapter 3.  God had made all these promises to his people and Moses was discouraged that he would not even see the land that was promised. 

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.

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 . .

29 So we remained in the valley opposite Beth-peor.

It can be difficult to understand the timing of God’s plan.  When we are encouraged by the thoughts and plans God has for His people, it can be difficult to be patient for God’s timing.  But even more than that, put yourself in Moses sandals.  He helped lead God’s people, he has taught them the promises of God, and the next leader would be the one chosen to lead them into the Promised Land. 

            “Be still, and know that I am God.

                        I will be exalted among the nations,

                        I will be exalted in the earth!”

(Psalm 46:10 ESV)

Maybe the difficulty is that we are thinking the plan revolves around us, when God is working a plan that exalts His name - which by the way will eternally bring us the greatest satisfaction.  Something to ponder.