Deut 27:1 Moses and the elders of Israel commanded the people: “Keep all these commands that I give you today.”
Moses was as close as he would get to the Promised Land. Because of his disobedience while they were in the wilderness, he would not be allowed to enter. I wonder if he was feeling the weight of that as he was reviewing all the commands for the Israelites as they stood poised to enter their Promised Land. Was there a sense of urgency? A sense of “I must remember to tell them….”? Was there peace? Confidence? That he had done his part and they would be ok?
Deut 27:2 “When you have crossed the Jordan into the land the LORD your God is giving you, set up large stones and coat them with plaster.”
I often feel this way at the end of the semester, especially with my seniors. I try to teach them skills that can be applied to any situation, not just English—good work ethic, getting along with people you may not like, looking at all sides of a situation, listening to people you disagree with. Always towards the end I wonder if I’ve taught them everything I could have, should have. Did I do enough to help them toward the next steps? I wonder if Moses struggled with similar feelings?
Deut 27:3 “Write on them all the words of this law when you have crossed over to enter the land the LORD your God is giving you, a land flowing with milk and honey….”
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for the work that I do. Thank You for the ability to work with these young people before they leave the shelter of high school. Be with me as I try to prepare them. Be with them as they cross out of high school and into this new phase of life. Draw us all closer to You. Amen.
Deut 27:4 “And when you have crossed the Jordan, set up these stones on Mount Ebal, as I command you today, and coat them with plaster.”
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.