Lesson Recap
Deuteronomy 31:1-34:12
Be Positive 33:1-5 & 34:1-12
Last Time We Met: Before entering Canaan, God reminded Israel to remain faithful to their commitment to Him. By doing so they would live productive, prosperous lives. However, failure to honor their commitment to God would result in unpleasant consequences. But even then- God was willing to forgive acts of unfaithfulness with genuine repentance. We determined the words God gave to Israel years ago applies to us today.
Summary of Background Material: The life of Moses covered a period of tumultuous and important events in Israelite history. Moses name, "drawn out of the water", pointed to his providential rescue by the daughter of Pharaoh. As a young man, Moses turned his back on wealth and power to identify with the Israelite people. His defense of an Israelite slave being beaten by an Egyptian led to Moses' fleeing Egypt as a fugitive. During that period of exile, God called Moses to return to Egypt and lead the Israelites out of slavery. Moses led the liberated Israelites to Mount Sinai, where they entered a covenant with the Lord and received the law they were to live by. Afterward, Moses led the people to Kadesh-barnea-located at the southern edge of the promised land. There a failure of faith by the majority resulted in decades of wandering in the wilderness. Now a new generation stood ready to enter the land, but Moses would not be the one to lead them in.
The final four chapters of Deuteronomy report Moses, last actions and teachings as he passed the leadership mantle to his successor, and as he prepared for his impending death. To the very end of his life, Moses sought to carry out the calling the Lord had given him.
Introduction: Many people stay so preoccupied with living today, they never consider what kind of legacy they will leave for future generations. If you were writing your own funeral eulogy, what would you want it to say?
This lesson challenges us to be intentional about building a positive legacy that points to and glorifies God.
Brag on God to the End 33:1-5
NOTE: In v. 5, Jeshurun= Israel (see Isa. 44:2). If you knew nothing about Moses, what would the description "the man of God" suggest to you about him? What do people today need to do to be considered a "man or woman of God"? What do you imagine Moses thought about when he viewed the promised land from atop Mt. Nebo? Moses life might have been different had he chosen to pursue his own purposes because if Moses would have chosen his own goals he would never have seen God's purpose fulfilled through his life's work. (See Heb. 11:24-27). In choosing to put God's purposes above our own we can make an impact on others that has eternal results.
Prepare and Encourage New Leadership 34:5-9
According to v7, Moses was obviously healthy and strong until he died. He laid hands on Joshua to pass the leadership mantle on to him because part of Godly leadership is preparing successors to lead after our departure. Teaching and training others to take our place is a gift we give to the next generation. What are some things parents of teens can do now to prepare them to eventually fill our shoes?
Grow in Your Relationship with God 34:10-12
What do you think the phrase "face to face' says about the kind of relationship Moses had with God? If we were to strive to develop that kind of relationship with God, what might it take? Moses legacy is about what God did through a man, not about what a man did for God. This is the evidence that showed God was working in Moses' life.
Conclusion: Realizing the importance for those who follow, I will work towards the goal to leave a positive, Godly legacy.
Prayer Requests
- Pray for a neighbor of the Robbins who is dealing with the aftermath of a stroke.
- Pray for Jeanette's friend Cheryl, who is depressed due to unemployment.
