A Very Lenty Moses - March 1, 2023
Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 119:49-72; PM Psalm 49, [53]
Deut. 9:13-21; Heb. 3:12-19; John 2:23-3:15
How very Lenten that our Old Testament readings this week take us through a portion of Deuteronomy. Moses has the floor. He preaches a long sermon of truth. He admonishes the Israelites for their sinfulness and implores them to remain faithful to God – to follow the commandments. He reminds them to stay humble and grateful to the Lord, even when life is going well, for it is God who brought them through Egypt and out of slavery.
Moses issues warnings that if the Israelites forget the Lord as their God, following other gods and idols, perishing and punishment will ensue. He reminds them of the times when they have angered God, provoking holy wrath. Each time, Moses goes to bat on behalf of these stubborn, stiff-necked people. He lays prostrate before God, denying himself bread, water, and earthly pleasures – to pray, protect, and defend them to the Lord God. Moses reminds the people that God was so angry at them for making an idol – the calf – while Moses was upon the mountain getting the two stone tablets of the covenant.
Each time, Moses lays on the ground, face down, not moving before the Lord. He lowers himself and prays. This bearer of the Law tells the people what his prayer is: “Lord God, do not destroy the people who are your very own possession, whom you redeemed in your greatness, whom you brought out of Egypt with a mighty hand. Remember your servants, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; pay no attention to the stubbornness of this people, their wickedness and their sin, otherwise the land from which you have brought us might say, ‘Because the Lord was not able to bring them into the land that he promised them, and because he hated them, he has brought them out to let them die in the wilderness.’ For they are the people of your very own possession, whom you brought out by your great power and by your outstretched arm.” (Deut. 9:26-29)
Moses is one bold man. He speaks truth. He stays grounded. He stands tall with the commandments of the Lord. And he is willing to humble himself before God, representing the people of Israel in a more faithful manner than they deserve. Moses shows the Israelites what faithfulness can truly look like, when grounded in the one and only Lord.
Katherine+
Questions for Self-Reflection:
Read chapters 8 and 9 of Deuteronomy. Take in the scope of Moses' words to the Israelites. Listen for the questions that arise in you. Where do you respect Moses? Where do you wish to interject? What prayer do you have for yourself and others after sitting with this holy scripture?