Now and Not Yet

Rev. Philip Hoppe, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Colby, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Deuteronomy 3:12-29.

Moses reminds the people how the LORD had already given and apportioned land to them on the east side of the Jordan River. The LORD gave that land to two-and-a-half tribes according to their need to care for their livestock. Though they had already received land, they were faithful to the whole people of Israel by going over the Jordan to fight with their brothers. Because Joshua would be the one to lead the people into the Promised Land, Moses strengthened him with the LORD’s promise. Moses’ request to go into the Promised Land shows both confidence in God’s mercy and humility to receive God’s answer. The LORD refuses to let Moses go into the Promised Land, yet Moses will still get to see the land and continue to encourage Joshua for the task ahead.

“The Law of God is Good and Wise” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Deuteronomy. Though Moses’ lengthy sermons in Deuteronomy may be tempting to skip, this influential book is essential reading for Christians. As Moses strengthened Israel on the plains of Moab before the people entered the Promised Land, so the book of Deuteronomy still strengthens the Church as we prepare to enter the Resurrection with Christ, the Prophet greater than Moses.