Deuteronomy 33 and 34 describe Moses’ final moments. “Eyes undimmed and vigor unabated,” he pronounces benediction on the tribes of Israel that leave them “sated with favor, and full of the blessing of the LORD. He loved his people.”
“The beloved of the LORD dwell in safety. The High God surrounds him all day long and dwells between his shoulders.” “As your days, so shall your strength be.” “There is none like God, who rides through the heavens to your help, through the skies in his majesty. The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He thrust out the enemy before you and said, ‘Destroy.’ So Israel lived in safety, Jacob lived alone, in a land of grain and wine, whose heavens drop down dew. Happy are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord, the shield of your help, and the sword of your triumph!”
Could Moses have finished any better? Could he have left a greater legacy than that of pronouncing God’s blessing on His people? “The one whom the LORD knew face to face,“ outstanding among prophets, mighty in power, arrived at the end of the days God had ordained for him, and spent them giving life, hope, and promise to others.
Do I take for granted daily strength and safety, God’s nearness, the guiding of thought and feet? Am I still enough to be aware of God’s intimate involvement with me? All favor is from the hand and heart of God, Who loves His people. When I part from loved ones, do I pronounce these blessings on them?
Lord, in the days You have allotted me, use my life as a benediction, the words of my mouth to bestow Your gracious blessings on others. May those whose lives I touch be helped, comforted, encouraged to know and honor You.
As the rain and snow 