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After exploring the experience of Moses in the Book of Exodus for the past couple of months, the Lectionary concludes with the death of Moses. Deuteronomy 34 assesses Moses’ life.

Never since has there arisen a prophet in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face. He was unequaled for all the signs and wonders that the Lord sent him to perform in the land of Egypt, against Pharaoh and all his servants and his entire land, and for all the mighty deeds and all the terrifying displays of power that Moses performed in the sight of all Israel.

People often assess a person’s life upon their death. They think back on the personal legacy and remember what that person has contributed that has made a difference.

Moses left a comfortable life with his wife in the home of his father-in-law Jethro in order to partner with God in the creation of the people of Israel. This was the first covenant community the world had ever known.

The vision was to settle Israel in the Promised Land. But Moses’ mission fell short of the completion of that vision. He died on Mount Nebo. The Lord allowed him to see the Land, but Moses never ate of its fruitful abundance.

Looking back on Moses’ life we know now that Moses mission was not to bring people into the Land of Promise. Rather, his mission was to prepare the people so that they would be ready to enter the Land of Promise when the time came. Once they reached the threshold of that vision, the Lord handed leadership to Joshua.

Joshua is remembered for how he led Israel in the conquest of Canaan. Moses is remembered for how he led Israel in the conquest of Israel itself. Joshua’s battle was against Canaanites. Moses’ battle was against the hearts and minds of his own people who resisted the transforming challenge of becoming what God promised they would become: A kingdom of priests and a holy nation.

Some may wonder how Moses felt about having to endure the wilderness journey for so long with such difficult people, and never being allowed to enter the Promised Land.

Moses was a faithful steward. He understood that partnership with God means being faithful to the day’s work, and leaving outcomes to God. The Lord’s Prayer begins with two petitions. First, “Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

This prayer expresses full surrender to God’s purpose. It is not the steward’s job to determine God’s will on earth. The steward’s role is to seek God’s way in all things.

The second petition is: “Give us this day our daily bread.”

This prayer expresses satisfaction in the Lord’s provision. Daily bread is sufficient. The faithful steward does not live in anxiety about the availability of tomorrow’s bread. Reception of today’s bread is sufficient for today.

The Book of Deuteronomy remembers Moses as a man “unequaled” in signs and wonders. But this is the way all faithful stewards of God’s blessings are remembered. The Lord always works signs and wonders among those who are faithful stewards of God’s blessing every day.