Reflections from the Mountain Top

There’s a great story at the end of the book of Deuteronomy 34:1–12, where we find Moses right on the brink of the promised land. He’s near the very end of his life, standing at the top of Mount Pisgah. The scripture tells us he could see the land that had been promised to his ancestors.

His whole life had been leading up to this point. He knew he wouldn’t live to enter it—so he could see the future in which he would have no part.

It is also very possible that Moses looked back across the desert that had been his past. Standing on that mountain at the end of his life, he had to have reflected back; yes, remembering some of the hardships—the hunger and thirst, the enemies, the revolt of his own people—but also the blessings—the manna, water from the rock, God watching over them as a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night, God carrying them through the desert.

And I have to believe he would have remembered those who had helped him along the way—his father-in-law Jethro; Miriam his sister; Aaron his brother; all the elders and leaders. And I have to imagine he would have felt a debt of gratitude: How could I have made it through life without them?

It can often be in those critical times when we reflect back on our lives. Truly, any moment that marks the passing of time can prompt us to reflect back on where we’ve been and on the blessings we’ve received. Thanksgiving can certainly be one of those times.

When you have a quiet moment today, I invite you to spend some time in reflection:

• When you look back over difficult seasons, what unexpected gifts or lessons emerged from them?
• What memories remind you of God’s presence or love most clearly?
• How has God’s faithfulness shown up in your life in quiet or surprising ways?

Let us pray: We have set this day aside, O God, to remember and give thanks. We don’t have to look far to see how richly we have been blessed. Out of gratitude, we return our hearts and our lives to you. Use us in the days and weeks ahead to bless others, and by so doing to bless you. Great is thy faithfulness, O God our Father. Great is thy faithfulness; through Jesus Christ. Amen.