Like a mighty king in a movie deathbed scene, Moses is filled with emotion as he reluctantly says goodbye. He has 40 years of experience with the Israelites; he knows they’re good at disobeying God. No wonder he imagines how disaster might unfold, how God’s anger will be unleashed.
Then Moses remembers the mercy of God. He won’t be there to guide the people, but God will be. God will not forget the covenant.
I love those words of grace and mercy. They remind me of how God was there when I turned back after years of pushing God away. When I earnestly sought God, God was there to be found. I’ve spent my life since then getting to know the One who welcomed me home with such open arms.
Gracious God, there are many who feel estranged from you. Maybe they've been hurt by fellow Christians. Maybe they believe they've done something unforgiveable and that you won't welcome them. Help us to share our experiences of grace and mercy to give them hope. For you are a merciful God, and you love all your children. Amen. — AK