A Courageous Farewell

Background Scripture: Deuteronomy 31
Lesson Scripture: Deuteronomy 31:1-13

Introduction

This is a meaningful lesson about the end of our earthly journey. Though some people may be uncomfortable with an open discussion of this topic, we have the privilege today to review Moses’s encouraging farewell address. May his beautiful speech guide our thoughts and direct our discussion. As we freely share of our own apprehensions, hopes, or our final wishes, we will surely find that we do not need to fear the time of our departure.

Key Verse

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing (2 Tim. 4:7-8).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

Moses’s farewell address to Joshua and the children of Israel is a remarkable example of humility, courage, and acceptance. Moses had witnessed many things and had given himself so fully to God’s will and to the welfare of the people that he truly was their savior. He had seen his people as slaves, and then he accepted God’s call to lead them from bondage to the Promised Land. He had been God’s special messenger when God presented His law to the people. He had stayed God’s hand of wrath when He would have destroyed the people for their idolatry. Moses had observed the people’s lack of trust as they stood the first time at the threshold of Canaan. Now God’s forty-year long judgment against His people was over. The punishment for their unbelief was accomplished, and a new generation stood waiting to cross the Jordan and possess the land that had been promised to them long ago.

Yet, despite Moses’s love for the people, his work on their behalf, and all the sacrifices he had made, he too came under God’s discipline. Because of his disobedience in striking the rock, God decreed that Moses would “not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them” (Num. 20:12). It must have been difficult for Moses to see the Promised Land so near, to know that his people would soon enter in, and then to accept the fact that he would not be able to go with them. Living in the gospel era of grace, we may think it unfair, considering all of Moses’s accomplishments, that he, in the end, was denied the goal. However, in this difficult hour, Moses’ outstanding depth of character is revealed. Instead of discouragement and despair, he extends to the people one last stirring message of encouragement and hope—“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not.”

As Moses approached his final days, he likely understood the need for a change of leadership. Not only was he growing old, but he realized that the challenges ahead would be different than the challenges behind them. God had prepared another leader for these new challenges. Joshua would lead the people in their conquest of Canaan. Though the law had been given under Moses’ leadership and, even today, we see Moses as the law giver, Joshua, on the other hand, was a type of Christ and represented faith. He was one of the two spies who, through unfailing faith, believed that God would fight their battles for them. Indeed, “Jesus” is the Greek form of the name “Joshua.” In retrospect, we clearly see God at work.

Practical Truths for Today

Each of us is approaching death. We do well to take a moment and ponder what that experience may be like. How will my end come? Will I be young or old? Will my passing be slow or sudden? Will it be difficult to cross over? Will I have regrets? And, in the context of this lesson, will I have time for a farewell message and, if so, what will it be? When people are gathered around my hospital bed, what will I tell them? As my family and friends pause over my casket, will they be moved to a firmer commitment to our heavenly Father? Will I have left them feeling confident that they too can be victorious? Will their souls burn with determination to do whatever it takes to meet me on the other side? Or will they have reason to question where I will spend eternity?

Many of us may not have the opportunity to leave a literal farewell address as Moses did. There are ways, though, by which we can leave an encouraging message as we live each day. Fathers have many opportunities to thank their children for choosing to be Christians. Dads, do not let these opportunities slip by. A grandmother should not be ashamed to encourage her grandchildren to make sure to meet her in heaven. It is important that we give these messages of encouragement. We are inclined to hope that as others observe our lives they will “catch on” that we wish them courage and spiritual success. However, it is our Christian privilege and duty to give sincere words of appreciation and encouragement to those following us. May we seize any opportunities to express our confidence in our brother and to assure him that God will see him through his challenges.

As we think of our own farewell address, let us remember that a useful life of joy and victory will add a great deal of meaning to our final message. If we have not been thankful for God’s blessings and resigned to His will in our lives, our final message may have a hollow ring.

Some apprehension about crossing from time into eternity is common to man. Satan may take advantage of this, bringing doubts and fears to those nearing the end of the journey. As we grow older, we can expect to face diminishing physical strength and decreasing mental acuity. We may be inflicted with dementia or some other disability that causes us to suffer. Is there something I can do today so these challenges will not overwhelm me? Can I live in such a manner now so I can move gracefully through those last valleys? Perhaps we should consider Moses’s example to help us answer these questions. Because of his lifetime commitment to God, he found strength at the end to remain faithful and to offer hope to others.

Questions

1. If you should have the opportunity to leave a farewell message with your loved ones, what would you like to share with them?
2. How can we become more comfortable with thinking about and discussing our own mortality?
3. What inspires us to offer encouraging messages as we live our lives rather than waiting for a chance to share in the final moments?
4. If you have been the recipient of someone’s parting message, share with others anything from it that is appropriate.
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Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).