April 24, 2024

Machelle McDowell

Deuteronomy chapter 32 is called the song of Moses as he serenades us out of the book of Deuteronomy!

In this song Moses proclaims the name of the Lord and in the same song adds a tongue lashing to the Israelites for being foolish and unwise in light of what God had done for them. Maybe we should try this method when scolding our kiddos? (LOL)….How would they respond if we broke out in song with a melody that ends in grounding?

Moses reminds the Israelites of how faithful God was to them. This song was to bring a conviction of sin and to remind them of God’s love and grace they could return to!

How many times did God withdraw his presence from this foolish nation only to welcome them back in His good graces? Sound familiar?

How many times did God send His wrath down to the rebellious Israelites during their journey across the wilderness? Sometimes, it took calamity to capture their attention.

Here we are at the edge of the wilderness in Deut 34, Moses is not allowed to cross over! But God’s sweet grace allows him to see it!

He sends Moses to the top of Mount Nebo. Can you imagine the grandeur of that sight? If you have ever visited the Grand Canyon and walked to the edge for the very first time, it is breath taking! I’m sure that is putting lightly what Moses experienced!

“You shall see the land before you, though you shall not go there.” I’m sure Moses was heartbroken over not being able to lead the Israelites into the Promise Land. But, what Moses experienced on Mount Nebo was so much greater!

He is blessed to see the beauty of the Promised Land only to close his eyes and draw his last breath and in the very next second be standing in the presence of the Holy God face to face!

Can’t you envision his experience? It was like a precursor to things to come! Glancing at the beauty of Canaan didn’t hold a candle to the Promised Land he was crossing into.

Could it be God’s reward for Moses was far greater than crossing over to Canaan with the Israelites? Moses experienced the ultimate Promise Land!

Hank Williams, Sr. was the original songwriter of the song “I am Bound for the Promised Land.” The lyrics speak of being bound for a place beyond any of our imagination. A place where there will be no more sickness, sorrow, pain and we shall see our Father’s face. :

I am bound for the promised land

Oh, who will come and go with me?

I am bound for the promised land.

The whole purpose of the Bible is to point us to the Promised Land and to the Saviour who can take us there!

Friends, are you bound for the promised land?