Then the Lord said to Moses: “This is the land that I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob when I promised: ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ I have shown it to you with your own eyes; however, you will not cross over into it.”
Reflection
I can only imagine how Moses must have felt as he gazed out over the land God had promised his ancestors generations earlier, the Promised Land flowing with milk and honey, and then being told that he would not cross over into it. Moses had spent the last forty years of his life leading this wandering and, at times, rebellious and stubborn group of people, and at this moment he was told his individual journey in this world would be coming to an end before seeing the fulfillment of his life’s work.
At first glance, this feels unfair. Moses was faithful, obedient, and intimate with God like few others were or ever have been. So why would the Lord allow him to see the Promised Land but not enter it? But if we can get past this, we can see that this scene is not about loss, it’s about trust and legacy.
Moses’ life teaches us that God’s promises are bigger than any one person’s lifetime. Some promises we labor toward will be fulfilled in the next generation. Moses’ obedience, perseverance, and faith laid the groundwork for Joshua and the Israelites to step into the land. His role was not incomplete; it was simply different from what he might have imagined.
God’s faithfulness is the central truth here. What God promised to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses, God eventually made a reality. Even when we don’t see every promise fulfilled in our time, we can rest knowing God will remain at work until the ultimate completion.
Sometimes, God might let us “see” something; a glimpse of a dream, a vision, a purpose, but not yet “cross into it.” It’s not punishment; it’s preparation. Like Moses, we are called to trust that God’s plan is unfolding exactly as it should and at the right time.
by Manny Estevez
For Pondering and Prayer
- What promises or prayers have you been holding onto that feel delayed or distant?
- How might God be inviting you to trust in what God is doing even when you only see a glimpse of it?
- How might your life’s faithfulness today be preparing for someone’s future breakthrough?
Prayer: Faithful God, thank You for being true to every promise. Even when we can only see from a distance, help us to trust that You are working all things together for good. Teach us to rest not in our understanding, but in Your unfailing faithfulness. May our life, like Moses’, point others toward Your promises fulfilled. Amen.
