Moses Completes His Work

This meditation is based on a passage for July 9, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Deuteronomy 31:7-13, 24-32:4

Reflection and Question: Moses has come to the end of his service to God and to the people. He passes leadership of all Israel to Joshua, who will take them into the Promised Land. Moses codifies the Law and hands it to the elders with the command that all the people — men, women, children and aliens — hear it read every seven years. The reason given for this is the rebellious stubborn streak in God’s people. The Law will remain “as a witness against you,” revealing human sin even as God is “just and upright.” What do you make of this contrast between human frailty and God’s strength?

Prayer: Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak; let the earth hear the words of my mouth.
May my teaching drop like the rain, my speech condense like the dew;
Like the gentle rain on grass, like showers on new growth.
For I will proclaim the name of the Lord; ascribe greatness to our God!
(Deuteronomy 32:1-3, New Revised Standard Version)