Finishing Strong

“This is the blessing that Moses the man of God pronounced on the Israelites before his death.”

Deuteronomy 33:1

When death’s dawn approaches people tend to exhibit one of two overarching temperaments: kindness or coldness. Those who choose to live through kind hearts are characterized by patience, gladness, generosity, and godliness. Those who choose to live through cold hearts are characterized by impatience, coarseness, stinginess, and a mouth that hurls cruel words like fiery arrows. Scripture does not approve an aloof disposition. It does not sanction an unapproachable spirit. It does not condone unkind speech or an antagonistic attitude. But for some reason, mankind has generally accepted it. We see lives filled with negativity and frustration and say nothing. Or do nothing. Sadly, a burdened heart that remains in a state of despair often leads to a bitter soul.        

But there is hope. There are biblical examples of people who experienced numerous setbacks and disappointments and, yet, were still able to complete earth’s journey with integrity. With hope. With a sweet spirit. Moses is one such person. Therefore, let us consider the way he ended his life, a life that finished strong. Moses revealed his earnest desire to finish life strong in three ways: through his conduct, through his confession, and through his character.  

Conduct

Moses endured Israel’s complaints, backbiting, mutinous behavior, and sin. He spiritually carried them for an exhausting 40 years. Through pain and heartache, he guided them to the entrance of the Promised Land. But he would not be given the privilege of touching the very ground he sacrificed so much to see. Can we ever fully appreciate the agony Moses must have felt when God said “no”? Furthermore, God told the great prophet to make final preparations because his death was near. How would we respond given the same circumstances? I admit my natural response would probably be to be bitter, angry, argumentative, and frustrated. In my mind, I would think, this isn’t fair. In my heart, I would think, this isn’t right.

But Moses responded with obedience, rather than rebellion, procrastination, or questions. He saw to it that he did everything God requested of him. He did it immediately. This is a crucial point. Why? Because Moses could have opted to stall this for awhile. He could have fought against it. But he didn’t. I believe Moses viewed his life within the framework of God’s will, rather than his own. He didn’t dwell on his ambitions, goals, and plans. He took into account God’s desire. He wrote the words of the law until they were complete. This, I believe, was no small endeavor or task. His dedication to seeing this project through underscored his commitment to conducting himself in a God-honoring way.

Mankind finds it easy or natural to become upset when things do not go our way. But when we step back and allow God’s will to prevail we will find the determination to say, “Blessed be Your name God. May Your will be done, not mine.” If that mentality takes hold, selfishness begins to dissipate, as does bitterness, anger, and frustration. 

 
In short, Moses accepted God’s will. He embraced God’s desire. He did what God asked him to do, and more. His conduct, even in uncomfortable circumstances, was exceptional.

Confession

In its purest definition to confess means “to speak.” In that context, we offer up confessions each and every day. And Moses offered the Israelites a most insightful confession in Deuteronomy 31:25. He implored his brethren to abandon disobedience in order to embrace faithfulness. Holiness. I realize, on the surface, this message may sound harsh and/or critical. But Moses’ tone signifies the significance of the situation.

Israel was on the cusp of accepting something they did not earn: admission into the Promised Land. They would encounter cultural and religious temptations. They would meet adversity and conflict. They needed a stern, but loving, reminder of the importance of abiding with God. The result of their decisions, personally and corporately, would affect their lives and the lives of future generations. This was not a time for half-hearted worship. It was time for an honest, soul-searching evaluation of their hearts’ pursuit and desire. Moses pleaded with Israel to restore, better yet establish, a righteous relationship with God. Overall, Israel had given some portion of their lives to God, but not entirely. Not completely. The passage in Deuteronomy 31:25 confirms Moses sought a confessional balance and provided Israel honest, true, loving declarations.

 

Character

Moses displayed character qualities that demanded respect and inspired dedication. Moses' own confession bears this out for he told the Israelites that had he not been guiding them they surely would have resorted to greater levels of deparivity and idolatry. While this does not speak well of Isreal it does speak well of Moses for he, at times, single-handedly prevented God from destroying the Israelites. His righteous prayers and his desire to honor God were a benchmark before Israel. His character was continually on display, and it rarely disappointed. 

There is something to be said about consistency in godliness isn’t there? We live in an age where the faults of ministry leaders are loudly and quickly broadcast to as many people as possible. Their lives are very visible and negative exposure seems to be amplified because of the spotlight they reside in. But the same standard that is required of them is the standard that is required of each of us: holiness, righteousness, godliness, integrity, etc. From that standpoint, how many of us could stand the pressure-filled vacuum of leadership and come out unscathed? How many of us have such a consistent, contented walk with God we can walk the treacherous road of ministry and retain, if not strengthen, our faith?

 
Character is essentially living out your beliefs. It’s not only who you are when nobody is looking; it’s who you are when everybody is looking. Do you love God? It should show. Do you love God’s creation – mankind (even the less desirable people from the world’s vantage point)? It should show. Do you seek to honor God with your thoughts and behavior? It should show. Do you seek to exhibit an encouraging mouth and joy-filled mindset? Again, it should show. Faith in God is crucial to this endeavor. Finishing strong can be done. But we must choose each and every day to live for God rather than ourselves. Therefore, may we, like Moses, live strong and finish strong.