48 That very day the Lord spoke to Moses, 49 “Go up this mountain of the Abarim, Mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab, opposite Jericho, and view the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the people of Israel for a possession. 50 And die on the mountain which you go up, and be gathered to your people, as Aaron your brother died in Mount Hor and was gathered to his people, 51 because you broke faith with me in the midst of the people of Israel at the waters of Meribah-kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin, and because you did not treat me as holy in the midst of the people of Israel. 52 For you shall see the land before you, but you shall not go there, into the land that I am giving to the people of Israel.” ~ Deuteronomy 32:48-52
It’s now been 40 years since the people of Israel left the land of Egypt. Moses has died and Joshua has received the heavy mantle of leading the people of Israel into the land of Canaan, The Promised Land. How did we get here?
Moses led the people of Israel in the wilderness faithfully for forty years. Neither their clothes nor sandals wore down (Deuteronomy 29:5). Yet Moses never made it into the Promised Land. Why? Throughout their time in the wilderness a Rock followed them in order to provide them with drinking water as they journeyed 40 years. The LORD told Moses, speak to the Rock so water may come out of it, but instead Moses struck the Rock. Not once, but twice. And the LORD told him that because of his actions he would die on Mount Nebo. He would never step into the promised land, but only see it from a distance.
This wasn’t just disobedience. This was anger driven disobedience. Moses had, once again, let his anger get the best of him, and the LORD had had enough. So, instead of leading the people of Israel into the Promised Land he had to go to the top of Mount Nebo, in the Land of Moab and die a premature death. His body wasn’t ready, but that physical act of disobedience caused a spiritual reaction that ended up costing him his promise and his very life.
Just because God has a plan for your life doesn’t mean that you will see that plan be fulfilled. It is up to you to make the right decision and take the right steps. God has done His part. He planned good things for you and gave the plan to you. It is up to you to follow it.
Peace. Love. Go Forth and Forsake Que Sera Sera.