Deuteronomy 34 (Listen)

The Death of Moses

34:1 Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which is opposite Jericho. And the LORD showed him all the land, Gilead as far as Dan, 2 all Naphtali, the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the western sea, 3 the Negeb, and the Plain, that is, the Valley of Jericho the city of palm trees, as far as Zoar. 4 And the LORD said to him, “This is the land of which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, ‘I will give it to your offspring.’ I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not go over there.” 5 So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD, 6 and he buried him in the valley in the land of Moab opposite Beth-peor; but no one knows the place of his burial to this day. 7 Moses was 120 years old when he died. His eye was undimmed, and his vigor unabated. 8 And the people of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days. Then the days of weeping and mourning for Moses were ended.

9 And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him. So the people of Israel obeyed him and did as the LORD had commanded Moses. 10 And there has not arisen a prophet since in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face, 11 none like him for all the signs and the wonders that the LORD sent him to do in the land of Egypt, to Pharaoh and to all his servants and to all his land, 12 and for all the mighty power and all the great deeds of terror that Moses did in the sight of all Israel.

(ESV)

The prophet’s last section has begun with the return of the great Victor: “It is finished!” Who is He? The One who “speaks in righteousness, mighty to save,” denoting the means and purpose for such holy vengeance: righteousness and salvation!

All opposition has been destroyed. All evil ransacked by the Righteous One; there is none other. The prophet can’t help but proclaim His praises.

Amazing, isn’t it? Arrayed in splendid, battle-bloodied garments, the prophet can’t help but praise Him for His lovingkindness, for He has yet been faithful to His rebellious children who grieved His Spirit and spurned His way. That is why it was necessary for Him to have become their enemy. Yet He also became their affliction, remembering and redeeming, purging and delivering them. What a Marvelous Messiah!

Ephesians 6:10–24 (Listen)

The Whole Armor of God

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

Final Greetings

21 So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts.

23 Peace be to the brothers,¹ and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.

(ESV)

The apostle pleads for a righteous readiness. For it is not mere man we war against, but the principalities of the air in the heavenly places. O for eyes to see! Surely we’d shod ourselves more assuredly for the fight of faithfulness. Hence Paul’s efforts: pleading for strength among the saints, awakeness to spiritual realities. “Having done all, to stand firm, stand firm therefore…” Such irony! The “gospel of peace” makes war-ready soldiers and saints. Of all the armor, the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God is the only offensive. Strap on! We are not alone in our need for better boldness in the proclamation of the Gospel. The apostle twice asks prayer for necessary boldness to proclaim the battle cry of God’s battalion. In Him is our peace, hope and faith; His grace and love are incorruptible! Choice closing words to those chosen by God in Christ Jesus.