— The Message of Deuteronomy
By Ouyang Wanting
As night fell, looking westward from the mountain toward the sea, one could see clusters of white clouds reflecting the multi-colored glow of the setting sun. Today had been a long day. In the distance, people were singing the Song of Moses. The Levites recited the Law of Moses by the tabernacle, made sure they understood it, and were ready to teach it to their children. The camp was noisy because everyone knew this was their last day to see their beloved leader, Moses. They recalled every word he had spoken, every teaching he had left behind. Strangely, in the past, they had often ignored him, busy with their own daily affairs. Now, their leader would ascend Mount Nebo and die there. God did not allow anyone to accompany him to the top. For this reason, everyone treasured the remaining moment with him.
After Moses blessed each tribe, he left the tabernacle to climb the mountain. As he set out, everyone stood to silently bid farewell to their leader. Perhaps this was the best way to see him off, for they were heartbroken. Caleb and Joshua, the oldest in the camp, followed him. Moses walked quickly. For a man of 120 years, his eyesight had not dimmed, nor had his strength diminished. His gaze was fixed on the mountain-top—he looked neither left nor right. Though he loved the Israelites, his mission was complete. He quickened his pace, longing to meet his God and friend. What a wonderful day! He was not climbing to face his death, but to accept life. Each step he took brought blessings for the people he had served. After more than forty years together, how could he not love them? His last wish was for them to love the one true God with all their heart, soul, and strength.
Caleb and Joshua found it difficult to keep up with him. They wondered how this old leader had such vigor. Caleb stopped halfway up the mountain, telling Joshua he would wait for him to return. Joshua sped up, not wanting to fall too far behind. He loved Moses dearly and still remembered the sight of Moses forty years earlier when he returned to Egypt—already eighty, yet strong and sharp-eyed, seeming to read minds before words were spoken. From his complexion, staff, and scent, one could tell he was a shepherd. Moses spoke with a stutter, so his brother Aaron usually spoke for him in public. When they claimed God had sent them to deliver the Israelites from Egypt, everyone laughed. But after witnessing miracles, all became silent, sensing something great and wondrous was about to happen. The people saw hope, determination, strength, and love in these brothers, all wrapped in humility. Their message was clear: “God will deliver His people from slavery and make them a free nation. He will lead them back to the land promised to their ancestor Abraham.”
How would God accomplish this? At the time, no one knew.
Up ahead, Moses suddenly turned and said to Joshua, “Why are you so slow today? You always used to walk by my side. Can you not keep up with this old man?”
He’d appointed Joshua as the new leader and bestowed his glory upon him in full view of all. Although succeeding Moses was an almost impossible task, how could Joshua fail his old friend’s expectations?
Moses stopped, turned to Joshua, and said, “Now you must go back. The people are waiting for you below. You will take them into the promised land and will succeed. I must go alone to the mountaintop to meet God. He is waiting for me there and will show me the promised land that His people will inherit.”
After sharing a farewell kiss, Moses continued up the mountain.
Joshua watched him climb until he disappeared from sight. Tears ran down his cheeks. He whispered, “Goodbye, dear old friend.” He stood there by himself for a while. A cool breeze reminded him night was approaching. His old friend would soon be with the Lord. He turned to descend the mountain. Yes, he would not only lead God’s people but also face all the challenges. As he went down, he prayed, “Lord, please go with me.”
(Please come back next week for Part 2)
About the author: Dr. Ouyang received his BSc from Texas A&M University and his PhD from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He worked in Japan, the US, and the People’s Republic of China as a corn researcher until his retirement in 2015. In 2020, he earned a Master of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary. Since then, he has been serving as a Sunday school teacher at Twin Cities Chinese Christian Church in Minneapolis.
