(REFLECTIONS ON Deuteronomy 33:1-29)

Moses’ time is almost up. What words would he leave for the Israelites? What would his final words be for the people that he had such a complicated relationship with? Throughout their journey in the wilderness there was accusation, complaint, anger, doubt, false promises, etc.

However, the last words of Moses to the Israelites weren’t bitter and angry words cursing the great pain that they had caused him. Rather, the last words of Moses were words of blessing. This reminds us that the process is sometimes messy, ugly, unpleasant, but if we stick it out, are willing to learn together both in the pain and the joy, that in the end is growth, maturity, love and blessing.

This teaches us that even in the difficulties and challenges of living, working, and worshiping together, that in the end there is the hope of family. Family doesn’t happen easily, automatically, without misunderstanding and tears, but it does happen because of God’s amazing love in the midst of these challenges.

God’s love is the key, the glue, the catalyst for our relationships with one another in the faith. And it is because of God’s love that in the end there is blessing. It is as Moses said,

3 Indeed, He loves the people; All Your holy ones are in Your hand,
And they followed in Your steps; Everyone receives of Your words. (New American Standard Bible, NASB)

God loves the people, His people, the holy ones in His hand, and although they are a broken people, faltering every other step, and will continue to do so as they enter into the Promised Land, His love is what remains.

He loves the people represents both God’s love for His people, and thus Moses’ love for the Israelites. He loves the people leads to blessings despite unfaithfulness, because God is a faithful God.

He loves the people represents Jesus Christ’s love for the church, despite being rejected, yet He was willing to bring salvation to the world through His sacrifice on the cross. Because He loves the people, we are the family of God. Despite the ups and downs, the winds and waves, He is faithful and just, and in the end, blessings will remain.

Pastor Michael Lu
Enduring Word Bible Commentary: Deuteronomy 33