In my opinion, these 9 verses are some of the heaviest verses in the entire book.  For me, personally, these are some of the heaviest verses in all of the Old Testament.  I read these 9 verses and a thousand sermons flood my mind.  So many emotions come to my mind, illustrations to use, and questions to ask. These 9 verses are loaded with theological truths woven through worldly questions centered around, "Why couldn't God just let Moses in?"

As I said, I have struggled with this text. I know the biblical answers of why God did not let Moses into the Promised Land.  I know the theological reasons all the scholars use to explain this part of the story.  However, my heart still struggles thinking that God's decision seems a little harsh for a man who penned Genesis and carried the 10 Commandments down a mountain on fire.  I've read all the commentaries, and my mind still goes toward, "God, it's Moses, just let him in."

I've come to the conclusion that the struggle in God's holiness, man's sin, and the tension between God's will and our desire is exactly where God wants us as readers.  God knows we are rooting for Moses and that him watching from a distance seems disappointing.  Maybe that's the message?

You see, God saves the lost through His son's sacrifice and man's faith in that truth. However, He doesn't promise that He will excuse every sin from consequence or answer every prayer in the way we hope.  There are times when God says "No." Honestly, the fact that this part of the story is so painful to read just shows our hearts towards the selfish moments we don't get our way.  The scriptures are clear; Moses sinned against God numerous times throughout his life.  Moses showed a lack of faith, trust, and obedience countless times. Moses didn't deserve anything good in the presence of an all-perfect God.

"I know, but it's Moses God, come on..."

How we as fallen humans struggle through this story; mirrors the struggle we have in our own narrative with our personal walk with God. How many times have we struggled with God because God did not answer a prayer in the way we wanted when His will did not mirror our want?

"God, come on, it's me!"

I see a thousand sermons in this week's text, but the sermon of trusting in God's sovereign Will in the light of our unworthiness might be the one that God preaches most often to believers that struggle with His way. Today, much like during the times of Moses, God calls us to pray to Him about everything on our heart.  The scriptures are clear as they tell us to bring all supplications and pleas to the altar. However, the scriptures are also clear that we are to fully trust the Will of His way in our life.

Even though God told Moses "No," Moses still received undeserving grace.  God allowed Moses to see the Promised Land, even though He was not able to enter it.  Moses did not even deserve that!  Let's not forget that Moses still was given eternity in Heaven through the blood that wasn't his own!

In life, there will be many times when circumstances don't seem fair.  During those times, remind yourself that as a follower of Jesus, "fair" is not something we want.  Fair would be Hell.  Fair would be cut off from God. Grace is what we have been given, and grace is all we need.

Stay faithful church,
Pastor Hunter

 Read Numbers 20 for the moment Moses is referencing in this week's text.