One Year Bible Readings and Commentary for Friday, April 7th "Moses Dies. Jesus Tells His Disciples to Be Ready for His Return!"

Click Here To Listen To The Readings

Click Here To Read Deuteronomy 32:28-52

Moses' Song (His Last Words to His People)

Moses concludes his song recounting the history of Israel's relationship with Yahweh. Despite the Lord's awesome and mighty works on their behalf, they turned away from Him. So, God allowed their enemies to overtake them. God allowed these enemies to scatter Israel, but only to teach them to turn back to him. Though these enemies had momentary victory in the end God would glorify His name and restore his people. When God brings justice to those who oppressed them, the people would again realize that God is their true Rock. When Moses finished, he urged the Israelites to take His words to heart and teach them to their children, so they would be successful in the Promised Land. 

Moses Death Foretold

The same day God told Moses to go up on Mount Nebo and look over the land of Canaan. This is the land the Lord was giving to Moses' ancestors in fulfillment of the promises he made to Abraham. Though Moses was courageous in a lot of ways, he disobeyed God''s command to speak to the rock in the Desert of Zin when the Israelites had complained about having no water. He struck the rock in anger and also took credit for bringing forth the water. Despite all of this, God took Moses up on Mount Nebo so he could at least look at the land his descendants would inherit. In Hebrews 11, Moses is listed as a man who was examplary in his faith. In Deuteronomy 34, it says God himself buried Moses. All things considered Moses, the man who met God face to face, will always be one of the most important figures of the Old Testament. He was a key ambassador in God's plan of salvation and bringing the Messiah into the world.

Click Here To Read Luke 12:35-59

Be Ready for the Lord’s Coming

After Jesus' the parables of the rich fool, and the warning about those who don't acknowledge him during their life on earth, Jesus uses a couple metaphors to illustrate how they should be ready at any time for his return. 

The main metaphor is one of servants being ready for their master's return from the wedding banquet. The reward for being ready for Jesus to walk through the door is that Jesus himself will put on an apron and serve them at the table. But they mustn't try to time his return. They needed to be ready at any time. 

He also used the analogy that if a person knew when a thief was coming, he would not be likely to be robbed. But the fact is one never knows when they are about to be robbed

A thief never announces his coming; he comes at a time when you would not expect him. The way to be on guard against a thief is to live in constant readiness, and the way to be ready for Jesus’ return is to live in constant readiness. - Guzik

Then Peter, ever the inquirer, wanted to know if this just applied to the disciples, or all people? Jesus responds that all people should be ready for his return, but his servants especially had to be ready because he had entrusted the managment of the house and servants to them. They would be accountable for the responsibilities they were given and how they handled them. 

In this case Jesus gave the disciples, and in particular Peter, the command to be His shepherds. Jesus' last words to Peter were, "Do love you love me Peter? Then, feed by sheep!"  John 21:17

The bottom line was the disciples were to prepared at all times for Jesus' return, because they did not know when he would return. Again it would be foolish if they tried to guess Jesus' return, especially if they were wrong. If they were at anytime and were found faithful, they would be rewarded. If they weren't ready, or decided to shirk their responsibilities and Jesus returned, they would held accountable.  

Are you ready for Jesus' return? If he returned tonight would you be ready? What things has he entrusted to you? Have you been faithful to carry them out for your master? It is never too late to turn from what you know is wrong and to follow Jesus and be faithful with the gifts he has given you. You will never regreat, especially when he DOES return! 

Click Here to Read Psalm 78:56-64

Click Here to Read Proverbs 12:24



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