Links for today’s readings:
Read: Deuteronomy 32 Listen: (7:10) Read: Romans 12 Listen: (2:58)
Links for this weekend’s readings:
Read: Deuteronomy 33-34 Listen: (4:43) Read: Romans 13 Listen: (2:35)
Read: Joshua 1 Listen: (3:11) Read: Romans 14 Listen: (3:28)
Scripture Focus: Deuteronomy 32.44-50
44 Moses came with Joshua son of Nun and spoke all the words of this song in the hearing of the people. 45 When Moses finished reciting all these words to all Israel, 46 he said to them, “Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. 47 They are not just idle words for you—they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess.” Moses to Die on Mount Nebo 48 On that same day the Lord told Moses, 49 “Go up into the Abarim Range to Mount Nebo in Moab, across from Jericho, and view Canaan, the land I am giving the Israelites as their own possession. 50 There on the mountain that you have climbed you will die and be gathered to your people, just as your brother Aaron died on Mount Hor and was gathered to his people
Reflection: Sing Your Song
By John Tillman
“What would you do if you knew today was your last day to live?” This question is popular with motivational speakers, counselors, and others who want to draw their listeners’ attention to what is truly important in life.
Most of us would probably say that on our last day we’d talk with people we love, do good things for others, and, if we are Christians, tell people about Jesus.
We don’t know our last day but Moses did. So, what did Moses do when he knew it was his last day to live? He spoke to those he loved, did good things for others, and told people how to faithfully follow God. Moses spent his last day speaking words of life to set up the next generation for success.
On Moses’ final day of life, he sang an epic song of testimony, warning, and hope. As Moses sang, he stood beside Joshua, passing the torch to the next generation’s leader. Moses’ song reminded the people how the grace of God had saved them in the past. He warned them that in the future their sins would grieve God, bringing punishment and exile. He encouraged them that, despite their sins, God would still have mercy on them and restore them. He proclaimed that the restoration and healing of Israel would be a testimony to the nations and a reason for all peoples to rejoice in the goodness and justice of God.
What might your song of testimony be? Sing of moments of salvation, healing, release, and escape from danger. Do you have warnings? Sing of moments of failure, struggle, oppression, and hardships. Can you speak of hope? Sing of moments of mercy, promises fulfilled, dreams of the future, and assurances from Holy Spirit.
Don’t wait until your last day to share your song. Invest in the next generation. They need to hear from elders who’ve felt the lashes of oppression, crossed the sea of deliverance, endured the suffering of the desert, learned lessons from the law, experienced victory over enemies, and been sustained by miraculous provision.
Not only should you sing, you should listen to the song of scripture. The words of scripture “are not just idle words for you—they are your life.” Learn the tune, the rhythm, the message of the music of God’s word. Then sing your song of testimony following its pattern.
Divine Hours Prayer: The Call to Prayer
Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things.
With his right hand and his holy arm has he won for himself the victory. — Psalm 98.1-2
– Divine Hours prayers from The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summer
by Phyllis Tickle
Read more: Honey and Grace
Moses uses the image of honey from the rock to describe God’s provision for Israel in their desert journey which has come to an end.
Read more: Glimpsing the Promise
Yet, all is not lost…God will be faithful to his purposes for the next generation. God’s grace to us is being able to glimpse it.
