In Deuteronomy, chapter three, twenty-two, the Israelites faced powerful enemies they could not defeat with their strength. Israel’s natural tendency is to fear the awful consequences of defeat. Only by looking to God do they gain victory. When committed believers face insurmountable difficulties and overwhelming opposition, God promises to be with them to give them the strength to accomplish His will for them.
Moses encouraged Joshua, who was to succeed him. Thus the aged and experienced in the service of God should do all they can to strengthen the hands of those who are young. Consider what God has done, what God has promised. If God is for us, who can be against us to prevail? We disgrace our Leader if we follow him trembling.
Moses, at this point, was forbidden to continue due to the matter in Numbers chapter twenty, where God appointed him to speak to the rock but hit it instead. God replied that he was not to continue with the children of Israel and that Joshua will take over. Moses prayed that he might go before Israel, over Jordan into Canaan. Even the most admirable men of God are under the same obligation as believers, in general, that if we disobey, we will pay despite our asking for forgiveness.
We should never allow any desires in faith to offer up to God through prayer. God’s answer to this prayer had a mixture of mercy and judgment. God sees it as good to deny many things we desire. He may accept our prayers yet not grant us the things we ask. God does not by his providence give us what we want, yet if by his grace he makes us content without, it comes to much the same.
Let it suffice thee to have God for thy Father, and heaven for thy portion, though thou hast not everything thou wouldst have in the world. God promised Moses a sight of Canaan from the top of Pisgah. Though he should not have possession, he should have the prospect of it. Even great believers, in this present state, see heaven but at a distance. God provided him with a successor.
It is a comfort to the friends of the church of Christ to see God’s work likely to be carried on by others when they are silent in the dust. And if we have the earnest and prospect of heaven, let these suffice us; let us submit to the Lord’s will, and speak no more to Him of matters which he sees good to refuse us.