Jesus, our Messiah – Day 5

“I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites, and I will put my words in his mouth. He will tell them everything I command him. I myself will call to account anyone who does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name.” Deuteronomy 18:18-19 (NIV)

In the Old Testament, no person made a greater impact and had a greater influence on the children of Israel than Moses. The Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy), are known as the Books of Moses, likewise, the code of religious laws is known as the Law of Moses.

Moses’ call to God’s service came when he was living in exile in the Sinai Desert. There, deep in the desert, God spoke to Moses from a burning bush. He told Moses he had chosen him to liberate his brothers living in slavery in Egypt and to lead them to the Promised Land.

Moses felt totally inadequate: “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11). However, God equipped him for the task (Exodus 4:12).

Through Moses, God would mould the children of Israel into the Hebrew nation. Moses became their teacher and lawgiver, and despite many hardships of their own making, led them to the Promised Land.

Moses himself was not permitted to enter the Promised Land; that privilege fell to Joshua. Can you imagine the bittersweet thoughts that must have coursed through Moses’ mind, when God allowed him to view the Promised Land that he would never occupy?

He must have realised that his work was complete and his life was drawing to a close. He must have worried how his people would cope, for God comforted Moses with the words in our verse for the day.

Throughout the many trials and tribulations that Moses experienced, “the Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend” (Exodus 33:11). We too have that special privilege, for we can speak to God face to face, in Jesus’ name.

What a friend we have in Jesus!