Plans change. As a grandparent, pastor, husband and friend, I have had many changes of plans. I have planned to go fishing and end up doing yard work. I planned to go hiking, and instead we shop for a grandchild’s birthday present. But I can’t help but think about Moses’ change in plans.
After 40 years of wandering in the desert, the people are ready to cross into the Promised Land. However, Moses is not to go. Instead, he is taken to the mountaintop and shown the Promised Land. It is there he dies, and Joshua takes over.
Now, according to Exodus, Moses was being punished for not listening to God when he struck a rock to provide water, but I think there was more to it.
Can you imagine the conversation that Moses had with God? I can imagine God telling Moses, “You did it, you did everything I told you to do. My people are finally ready to cross the Jordan. Joshua is ready to lead, and you, my old friend, it is time to rest. Welcome and well done, my good and faithful servant.” You see, even though Moses could not go into the Promised Land, it didn’t mean that God had stopped loving him. In fact, I think God had even more plans ready for Moses.
For you see, Moses did not die. I know the Old Testament tells us that he died "in the land of Moab…. And he buried him in the valley in the land of Moab opposite Beth-peor, but no man knows his burial place to this day" (Deut. 34:6).
However, in Matt. 17, we see that Moses is very much alive, as is Elijah, and talking with Jesus during the Transfiguration.
The point is, just because you don’t finish the journey you think you should, God still has plans for you. I am learning this the hard way.
When we start a journey with God, we often have a destination in mind. However, God has his own plans. Moses was planning on entering the Promised Land, but God had other plans. The Promised Land was not for Moses; it was not for the slaves that left Egypt 40 years ago. Only Joshua and Caleb would be able to enter, and they would lead the Hebrews in taking the land.
But God was not done with Moses, and folks, he isn’t done with you or me. Your change in circumstance doesn’t mean God has failed. It simply means God is leading you in his plan. Our plan and God’s plan are two different things. But God always has the better plan. And yes, you may be called to start a task, but others will be called to finish it.
And that is the nature of following God. John 4:37: “For in this case the saying is true, ‘One sows, and another reaps.’” Part of being kingdom people is willingly planting trees we know we will never be shaded by.
God’s plan is best.
Just a thought.
See you in church.
