The writer of Hebrews contrasts the fearful encounter of the Israelites at Mount Sinai with the hope and assurance found in the new kingdom established by Christ, emphasizing the importance of faith in this journey.

Just as Moses shared lessons from history, we should also recount our own stories of faith and struggle with family, fostering understanding and connection across generations.

Despite his pivotal role as a leader, Moses is not often immediately associated with prayer in popular perception, yet his journey reveals a consistent pattern of intimate dialogue and supplication with God.

God is not simply a God of history but a living God who loves us and calls us into his promises.

As is true with so many others, I have prayed some prayers over and over again for many years. I pray because I believe God is listening and will answer.

None of us has the promise of old age. But if we live to enjoy it, God will still need us to spread kingdom influence.

The history of people of faith over the centuries has demonstrated that the instructions we’ve received are not that hard to understand. Our trouble is with implementation!

I wonder if there is anyone reading today who needs to hear what I heard this morning: “It’s time to turn northward and stop walking around in circles.”

There is a high price for divisive behavior. And, as this story shows, it might be a higher price than one would ever choose to pay.

The story of Moses and his people investigating the Promised Land is rich in implications for the faith of believers today.

If we have ever led anything or anyone, we can relate to the complaints Moses heard. Can we relate to the actions he took?

God’s presence with the Israelites told them whether to stop or go. We have his presence, too, and it is even more wonderful than what they experienced.

We can approach God with the same boldness Moses had. God has promised his presence with us.

I didn’t expect much from a visit to Mount Nebo. But of all the places in the world I’ve been privileged to visit, Mount Nebo has impacted me the deepest.   

The clock ran out on Moses as it will for each of us. Time marches forward whether we use our time wisely or not.

God told Moses to provide for those who killed someone accidentally. Does this speak to our own tendency to rush to judgment whenever someone is accused of wrong?

Moses chronicled each stop and start on the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land. Likewise, we do well to mark where we began and where we’re going.

We may think the Jews in the wilderness had a right to complain. But a closer look may leave us less convinced about ourselves.