November 7 | Deuteronomy 34:1-12

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DAILY READING

Deuteronomy 34:1-12

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REFLECTION

Atop Mount Nebo

by Mary Kate Hipp

On a clear day when standing atop Mount Nebo, one could see almost the entirety of Israel just as the author of Deuteronomy depicts. Mount Nebo is in the southern region of Jordan (the modern country next to Israel) and in this passage, we read of Moses looking out onto the western coast, to the northernmost points of the country as well as the southern. At the time, Moses had no idea of all that would be done in this land.

To some extent, he understood that this was the land that God had promised His people. But Moses had no way of knowing that on this land He would miraculously tear down walls, that He would save His people time and time again, that His Son would be born of a virgin, heal the lame and leper, redeem the lost, be crucified for our sins and rise again. Moses may not have understood all that was to come within the land, but he understood that God is faithful to deliver on His promises.

How often do we stand atop a metaphorical mountain and see nothing? When I summited Mount Nebo during my time abroad, it was a particularly foggy day. The entire bus ride to the foot of the mountain, my professor was explaining how spectacular of a view it was, how you could see as far as the land stretched. I was so excited, yet when I got to the top I was beyond disappointed as if I had not already seen and known of all that the Lord had done. I remember saying something along the lines of "...it would have been really cool to see the whole lay of the land—ya know, really see what the Lord has done." I look back now and laugh at that statement.

My point in all of this—even though we cannot see all that God has done or will do, does not mean that He will not fulfill His promises. For Moses, he could not see all that was to come yet he believed. For me, I allowed the fog to (literally) cloud my knowledge of what the Lord had done. How quickly do we forget all that the Lord has done? How often do we need "proof" from the Lord of His handiwork?

This past week we celebrated All Saints' Day and I cannot help but think of our great cloud of witnesses, particularly Moses. By faith, Moses believed (Hebrews 11) along with other members of the faith. By faith, Moses trusted and believed that God would do all that He said He would, and that He would be faithful even when Moses could not see it.

This week I challenge you to spend time reflecting on how the Lord has been faithful in your life. Reflect over the day, the month or last few months, the year, etc. Write these down on a piece of paper and keep it in your Bible or on your fridge—in a place where you will see it often and thank the Lord for all He has done! Far be it from us for our vision to be fogged from seeing what He has done or to not believe that He will keep His promises. Stand atop Mount Nebo and see all that the Lord has done and envision how much more He will do!

PRAYER

We praise you O God for your faithfulness. We praise you that you are faithful and good even when we cannot see it. Call to our minds the ways in which you have been faithful. Give us the faith of Moses. Lord, we love you, amen.

November 6 | Deuteronomy 31:1-8

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DAILY READING

Deuteronomy 31:1-8

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REFLECTION

In Whom Do We Trust?

by Pr. Dave Mann

Many, if not all of us, have been positively influenced by exemplary Christian leaders. They shared the gospel with us. They taught us to pray. They preached the Word to us. They discipled us. They comforted us and taught us to comfort others. They were stellar examples of what it means to be a Christ-follower.

However, all cherished Christian leaders eventually leave us. Perhaps, they move away from us, or we move away from them. Unfortunately, some leaders, whom we highly respected, leave us because they fall into sin, which deeply disappoints us. How is this possible? All eventually die, as Moses did.

Whether the separation is honorable or dishonorable, it is painful. We find ourselves without a leader (our Moses) on whom we depended. There is an aching void in our lives. How can this be? It feels so wrong. How can life go on without our leader? He brought us near to God, who now seems so far away.

And then, sometimes in the wake of our agony, the Lord raises up a new leader on whom we can rely (our Joshua). Perhaps, he does not appear to be as competent as the original leader, but he will do. If the Lord gives us a new leader, God’s word to us is: “Do not be afraid or terrified, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (v. 6)

If there is no replacement leader to guide us, perhaps, we are the new Joshua for others. In that case, God’s word for us is: “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (v. 8)

Whether there is a new, respected leader, in whom we deeply trust or if we are called to be the new leader for others, the encouraging words from the Lord for all of us are similar. The Lord’s grand plan is to lead us toward a deeper and deeper trust in Himself. Human leaders, even the most faithful, are good for only a season, but eventually, whether because of failing health or failing humanness, we will be separated from them.

In whom do we trust? Even the best of human leaders will leave us. There is only One who can say, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” In God we trust!

PRAYER

Lord God of heaven and earth, thank you for the leaders you have brought into our lives. At first, we no doubt trusted more in them than we did in you. But step by step, you led us into a trusting relationship with yourself. Thank you for your faithfulness, your patience, and your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

November 5 | 1 Chronicles 1:1-4, 17-26; Galatians 3:26-28

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DAILY READING

1 Chronicles 1:1-4, 17-26 Galatians 3:26-28

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REFLECTION

For All the Saints

by Elaine Pierce

The verses we're reading in 1 Chronicles today are not "typical" Sunday morning scripture. Who are these people, anyway? I can't pronounce most of these names. And these names are a small fraction of the list of names that appear in this book. In fact, the first nine chapters are Israel's family history, dating back to Adam. These are real people who lived many thousands of years ago, but they reinforce the "realness" of God's Word. The Bible is filled with real people who served God, who sinned mightily, who asked forgiveness, and who we will one day meet in heaven.

God's family is diverse. It is filled with saints and sinners - people just like you and me. As we read in Galatians 3:28, "there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

Today you will listen to hundreds of names being read aloud as we remember the saints who have gone before us, many who have served God faithfully at Upper Arlington Lutheran Church. You will recognize some names, but you will not know most of them. They won't be as difficult to pronounce as the names in 1 Chronicles, but they will be unfamiliar. It will be easy to let your mind wander as these names are read. I know I have done that in years past.

I would encourage you on this All Saints' Day to thank God for the rich faith heritage we have inherited at our church. God has blessed us beyond measure, and we have been able to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ throughout Columbus and the world through the people who have gone before us. Each name is precious to someone, and that someone may be sitting beside you in church. The names read are recorded in the Book of Life. The Chronicles of Upper Arlington Lutheran Church are knit into the fabric of God's people - thanks be to God for what he has done and will do through us and in us.

PRAYER

Lord, on this All Saints' Sunday, I thank you for those who have gone before me, who are resting from their labors. What joy it will be when we are reunited. Help me each day to spread your love, your joy and your peace. Amen.