13

The life of Moses, from beginning to end, was lived in the atmosphere of prayer. This was true from even prior to his birth to Jocabed, as she and her husband anticipated his arrival in a spirit of vital faith. Like all of the Israelites, Amram and Jocabed had been subjected to cruel bondage by the Egyptians. Yet, in spite of that, they knew and lived in the glorious freedom of true prayer. They proved daily the exciting potential of being able to release the potential of the Lord's resources through the prayer of faith.

Moses spent his early, formative years in such a home. There he was influenced by the dynamic faith of his parents and their commitment to the life of prayer. This impact of his praying parents continued to greatly influence his life, even during the many years when he lived in Pharaoh's palace as the son of Pharaoh's daughter. It was there that Moses received the best education and training that Egypt could provide.

The conviction developed in the heart and mind of Moses that the Lord had uniquely equipped and called him to liberate his people, the Israelites. Yet, when he decided to act, it was in self-confidence. He overlooked the vital place of prayer! His attempt to help his people failed miserably!

When Pharaoh ordered his death, Moses ran into the Midian deserts. It was there he was brought under the influence of Reuel, the friend of God! For the next forty years, the Lord patiently taught His servant those vital spiritual lessons he needed to learn to become the "man of prayer"! The Lord knew when His servant was ready. At the burning bush He called him, and sent him back to Egypt -- there to be the Lord's instrument in liberating the Israelites. In all of the dramatic developments which follow, the life and service of Moses revealed the exciting power of true prayer. The combined effect is to give clear witness to the truth: "God never does anything, except in answer to prayer!" (John Wesley)

The greatest difficulties which Moses faced were with the unbelief, self-will, disobedience and rebellion of the Israelites. It is so obvious that the vast majority of them did not share, nor desire to share, the close fellowship which Moses enjoyed with the Lord. The repeated opposition of the people resulted in the stirring of great frustration in both Moses and Aaron. This reached the level where they acted quite rashly. The price which they were required to pay for their rashness was so very high.

The Lord told Moses that his rashness involved failure to honor Him, and as the result, Moses would not be permitted to enter the promised land. Moses knew that this judgement was fully deserved. Yet in his heart there was still a deep and strong longing to be able to enter that land.

The passing of the years had raised up a new generation of Israelites. Because of their disobedience and rebellion, all of the previous generation had died during their wandering in the wilderness. Now, this new generation was ready to move forward into the land. Joshua was the one whom the Lord had appointed to lead them.

As Joshua prepared to take over the leadership, Moses gave him this charge: You have seen all that the Lord has done. You know, therefore, what He can do. As you follow Him and His Word, expect to see Him continue to work in mighty power as He leads you.

For forty years Joshua had been the right hand man of Moses. He had been privileged to accompany Moses on Mount Horeb when Moses had received the law from the Lord. He had been able to spend a considerable amount of time in the tabernacle. He was the appointed and effective military leader of the people in their battle with the Amalekites. He was one of the chosen twelve spies -- one of the two who so strongly urged the Israelites to trust and obey God, encouraging them to move out in faith and go on into the Promised Land.

He had shared in the resounding victories which the Lord had given Israel over Sihon and Og, kings of the Amorites. He knew all that the Lord had done. Moses reminded him: Always keep in mind this vision of the glorious greatness of the Lord as you take up these new and challenging responsibilities.

One of the problems so many of us face as Christians today is that we forget so quickly all of the wonderful things which the Lord has done. We need to deliberately develop the practice of placing 'reminder markers' so that we will remember our Lord's gracious activity. The Lord has given so many victories, and intervened so often in power and effectiveness. Always remember the mighty acts of the Lord. It will help you as you are called to face new challenges and difficulties.

"So shall the LORD do unto all the kingdoms wither thou passest. Ye shall not fear them: for the LORD your God, He shall fight for you!" (vv. 21, 22)

"So shall the LORD do!" He does not change! He cannot fail! All that He has already accomplished is a witness to this guarantee: He will continue to lead in victory! "The same yesterday, and today, and forever!" (Hebrews 13:8) Do we really believe that? We can!

"But what if...?" That is the devil's device! His objective is to find a way to inject fear into our thoughts. Such fear will effectively undermine faith. The victory will then inevitably be lost! God never fails! "God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ!" (2 Corinthians 2: 14) Always! Every victory we have ever experienced, He has given! Every failure we have brought on ourselves!

"The LORD your God, He shall fight for you!" This is His absolute guarantee! Go on in humble obedience to His Word. Trust His faithfulness. Rely continually on His sufficiency! And then, prove, "We are more than conquerors through Him that loved us!" (Romans 8: 37)

"He will fight for you!" "So that we may boldly say, The LORD is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me!" (Hebrews 13: 6) God is sufficient! He is all we need!

Joshua had been commissioned as the new leader of the Israelites. Yes, Moses was fully obedient to the Lord in that responsibility ... yet, he could not restrain himself. He felt compelled to express the deep strong desire of his heart. As we read his words, surely we can sense the vital, pulsating longing of this man of prayer!

"I besought the LORD!" He was driven to approach the Lord to express his urgent desire. On previous occasions when he had expressed the deep longings of his heart, he had experienced the great power of prayer. He had moved the heart and the hand of God!

We see this so decisively as he pleaded for the Israelites when their actions and attitudes had provoked the just wrath and judgement of the Lord. On this occasion, he came humbly to beg the Lord to relent again. He pleaded submissively. Expressing his deep longing, for: himself!

"O LORD God, Thou hast begun to show Thy servant Thy greatness!" "Begun!" Yes, Lord, I have already seen so much, this is true! In Egypt! At the Red Sea! On Mount Horeb! Travelling through the wilderness! But, Lord, that is only a beginning! The best, surely, is yet to be! The greater glory will be in evidence as You lead Your people to experience the full glory of the climax of Your great promises. Lord, I do want to be able to be a part of all that ... to be there as You take them through the river Jordan ... witness, as You give them victory after victory in the land ... watch, as you establish them in this land as Your people. I want to see -- to share!

The best is yet to be! Do we really believe that today? At the very best, we have only begun to see the glory and the greatness of the Lord. Are we really convinced that He does have even greater victories to give to us? Greater blessings?

The best is yet to be! Believe it! Allow this thrilling truth to really grip your heart and mind. To do so in such power, that it will inspire you to plead urgently for the Lord to allow you to share in His greater things ... in His mightier working!

There is no such god! There is none to compare with the Lord! Moses was accentuating the unique glory of the infinite greatness of the Lord ... doing so in devoted worship and adoring wonder as he prayed his prayer. There is no one else. There is no other way. There are plenty of counterfeits today. So many are ready to make all kinds of false claims.

Yet, for the actual reality of the true glory, we just look to the Lord. For the demonstration of His great and mighty acts, there is no one else! " Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the Words of eternal life" (John 6: 68).

Lord, we do want to see more! We do want to be able to share more fully with You! It is only as we can go on with You to witness more of Your glorious and mighty work that the deep longing of our hearts can be satisfied. Is that really our desire ... our longing?

Do we, today, really have the conscious awareness that the Lord is about to do great and glorious things? Believing, trusting, praying for the privilege of sharing in this as we witness Him doing: "Exceeding abundantly above all we ask or think!" (Ephesians 3: 20)

I know Joshua will go over - as he leads the people into the inheritance which You have promised to give to them. I know the Israelites will go over following his leadership. Yet, Lord, "let - ME - go over!"

Only one who had been where Moses was could really understand the deep agony which motivated this plea, or, the great urgency of his cry in his prayer to the Lord. For us today to adequately comprehend the impact of this compelling desire which filled his heart, we would need to have walked with him all the way. We would have had to experience everything he experienced throughout the long and difficult years of his life ... to have fully shared with him in the many times of his agonizing prayer and intercession, allowing the love of God for His people to fill our hearts as that love filled the heart of Moses. He was filled and motivated, inspired and controlled!

"Let - ME - go over!" Do we really know anything of such agony and urgency in prayer today? Especially as it relates to personally sharing the great and gracious work of God? This is the personal experience of the very few! The vast majority of Christians are far more often motivated by the things of this world, by the cares of this life. Such know little, or nothing, of the deep heart longing to see God bring His glorious work to an exciting and thrilling climax.

Moses knew all of the promises of the Lord concerning this land which the Lord was about to give to His people. Moses believed all of the promises. He knew that the reality must be far more glorious than his mind could begin to imagine. He so wanted to see the full glory of the reality! He believed that could he but do so, he would not be disappointed.

Think about the implications of this for us today. The exciting prospect which is revealed to us in all of the wonderful promises the Lord has made to us. The potential must always be so much greater than our minds could begin to project! "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him" (1 Corinthians 2: 9).

Are we making it our prayer: Lord, we have heard with wonder Your promise to us. Now, we want to actually see all that You have prepared -- for us! We want to enter into the fullness of the amazing glory of Your promise, and by faith, appropriate it all personally in our walk with You.

"But the LORD was wroth with me for your sakes, and would not hear me: and the LORD said unto me, Let it suffice thee; speak no more unto Me of this matter" (v. 26).

This was the 'man of prayer'! He had interceded so powerfully and effectively for the Israelites. Yet, as he pleaded for himself, expressing his deep heart desire, his prayers proved to be inadequate. He knew why the answer to his urgent pleading was "No!" The anger of the Lord had been aroused, and Moses knew that the Lord was fully justified. He knew he had no grounds for feeling sorry for himself.

The problem: "for your sakes!" Their constant complaining ... their continual griping about the difficulties they faced -- imaginary or real ... their disobedient rebellious spirit and actions ... day after day over so many long years. It was inevitable that it wore down the servant of the Lord. It so severely tested his patience, exasperating and frustrating him until ... it all boiled over!

This was not the result of one incident, nor of one bad year, but of forty years of rebellion and rejection! It should not surprise us that the moment was reached when his guard was down. He acted and spoke in a way that attracted God's decision.

What a high price ... to hear that clear, decisive "NO!" from the Lord! These incidents are all recorded for the spiritual and personal benefit of succeeding generations. Did the people ever come to really appreciate what their negative attitudes and actions cost this great and godly man?

Will we as Christians learn from this? Yes, our negative attitudes, words and actions do have tragic effects ... first, in our own lives. Many refuse to even consider this reality. That being the case, they certainly would not consider the very high price which other people are forced to pay because they are so negative!

Moses heard the Lord say, "NO!" Then he heard the Lord add: That is My answer to your prayer. Let it satisfy you. Do not raise this matter ever again!

Remember, the Lord so greatly loved His servant. He was reminding Moses that he had to trust His love, to remember that His, "NO!" was the expression of the perfect wisdom of His perfect love. The Lord had brought Moses to that level of spiritual maturity. There He knew that He could trust His servant with His "NO!" and there to close the matter.

The Lord is seeking to develop in us such a strong relationship with Him to that same level. There He will know that He can trust us with His strong and firm and decisive "NO!" And, in love for Him, with the deep desire to honor Him, we will accept His answer.

"Get thee up into the top of Pisgah, and lift up thine eyes westward, and northward, and southward, and eastward, and behold it with thine eyes: for thou shalt not go over this Jordan" (v. 27).

Mount Pisgah was the Lord's gracious and glorious alternative for His servant. At this point, we see only the first installment of this wonderful alternative. From Pisgah, Moses would be able to look in all directions and see "the good land that is beyond Jordan, that goodly mountain."

"Behold it!" - "With thine eyes!" The physical eyes, yes! He would see that land which the Lord had promised, as it stretched to the far horizons. In his mind, he would be able to "see" the glory of the land. "See” with the eyes of faith. Remember, this was the 'man of prayer' ... the man to whom the Lord had taught the great secrets of prayer, who had been so privileged as to be able to speak with the Lord face to face.

As he stood on Mt Pisgah, he would not stand there alone. The Lord, with whom he had been able to share so closely, over so many long years, would be there with him! They would stand there -- together, in the vital fellowship of love and prayer -- one in mind and in heart.

As Moses looked, he would "see" with the thrilling and inspiring insight which such close personal fellowship with the Lord made real. "See" as the Lord Himself saw! "NO!" - matched by such a thrilling "YES!" And that was only the first part!

This speaks to us of the great privileges which the Lord extends to those who discipline themselves to patiently, faithfully learn the true secrets of prayer. In His amazing and inspiring grace, the Lord seeks to reveal this to us as His plan and pattern for our relationship with Him.

Is it really possible that our life of prayer could bring us into such a close relationship with the Lord? His answer is, "YES," ... if only we will let Him draw us into an ever closer fellowship in this life of prayer and intercession.

The Lord was fully prepared for this moment. His chosen replacement was even then prepared and equipped to be able to step into leadership -- Joshua! For the previous forty years, Joshua had been closer to Moses than any other person. In that relationship, the Lord had used Moses to train and equip him for this critical moment.

We have already reviewed the key aspects of this preparation. There is one verse which is so significant: "And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle" (Exodus 33: 11). "Joshua - departed not from the tabernacle!" Now, Moses, "charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him."

Moses fully and freely accepted this decision of the Lord. In the will of the Lord, he had to step aside. The Lord already had another prepared to take over the leadership. Moses willingly accepted his responsibility of encouraging and helping Joshua.

Moses had reached the place in his walk with the Lord where the Lord trusted him, even when Moses had to make his deep desire to go over into the land submissive to the will of the Lord! That is spiritual maturity!

Those Christians who have actually learned the secret of living in the place of prayer, follow the same path. Their fellowship with the Lord clearly reveals this character trait. Their commitment is: whoever the Lord chooses to use, let us do everything we can to encourage and strengthen them. The objective: to make their service effective for the glory of the Lord.

There are many Christians who have convinced themselves that they are indispensable. If they are not in control, there is no way that the work can go on effectively.

The Christian who, like Moses, lives in the place of prayer has a much more balanced view of themselves ... a true perspective of their importance. Moses knew that the key to accomplishing the will of the Lord was: the Lord! The Lord was ... is indispensable ... not man!

Joshua will do it. With the help and guidance of the Lord, through the prayer of Moses, he will do it. Moses heard the Word of the Lord. He knew that the Word clearly revealed the will of the Lord. Therefore, Moses honored the Lord by faithfully doing all he could to ensure that Joshua accomplished the task.

That is true spiritual leadership ... the mature leadership which faithfully applies the lessons which are learned in the place of prayer ... the leadership which is privileged to share in personal fellowship with the Lord as He reveals His will step-by-step. Only the person of prayer can learn these lessons. Only the person of prayer can faithfully apply them.

As soon as Moses had received the decisive and final answer to his prayer, he responded with the attitude of the true 'man of prayer' that he was. He did not attempt to press the matter any further. Rather, he obeyed.

The people of Israel had arrived at the River Jordan. Moses knew that he would not be able to lead them any further. Joshua must be allowed to take over the responsibility which the Lord had transferred from Moses to him.

Moses had one thing left to do. He turned his steps away from the Jordan. He began to climb Mount Nebo. His objective was the summit of Mount Pisgah. "Moses went up!" Yet, he did not go up alone! As he made the climb, each step which he took was an expression of his personal faithfulness as he rejoiced to honor the Lord. His faithfulness brought its own wonderful reward. Each step which he took was shared by the Lord! He walked with His servant in glorious personal fellowship.

Look carefully at that man as he climbed Mount Nebo. It was not a man who was reluctantly resigned to go to his inevitable fate. Rather, he marched in step with the Lord he loved ... in such dynamic personal fellowship that he could well join with Paul and say: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4: 7).

There was no grief, nor any sense of loss. Rather, there was the deep joy and great rejoicing of the 'man of prayer', who knew, in these very precious moments, the vital personal closeness of the Lord whom he had served so faithfully ... whom he had loved so dearly.

Allow the reality to really sink in. It is by means of the fellowship of prayer that the Lord seeks to draw each one of us closer to Himself. It is His desire that we enter into the closest possible relationship with Him. The fellowship of personal prayer is the process which He plans to develop, continue, and deepen! To do so until it reaches its deepest and fullest expression, thus enabling us to come to the moment when we will be able to joyfully climb our Mount Pisgahs.

"THE LORD SHOWED HIM!" They stood there together on Mount Pisgah -- one in heart, one in mind, one in desire -- the 'man of prayer' and the Lord, who had used the prayers of His servant to accomplish the most glorious reality.

"THE LORD SHOWED HIM!" He enabled His faithful servant to see not only the geographic details of the land, but to see this land as the Lord Himself saw it ... as He saw it in His covenant promise ... as He saw it in the glory of His plan and purpose for His people.

"THE LORD SHOWED HIM!" He showed him all of the amazing potential ... the incredible blessing involved ... the unmeasured resources ... all of the glorious future which He had assured would be given to His people!

Moses was enabled to see far more than he would ever have seen, even had he been able to walk over it, or see it with his natural vision. He saw as the Lord saw! What a privilege ... being able to stand there in vital personal fellowship with the Lord, seeing with eyes which the Lord Himself had both opened and enlightened!

That was the privilege which the Lord granted to Moses, the 'man of prayer'. But, not only to Moses -- it is still the privilege of all those who will enter into the fullness of this vital relationship with the Lord, becoming ... people of prayer.

The Lord is seeking to lead each one of us to the summit of the spiritual mountains. He so deeply desires to enable us to see as He sees! Will we allow Him to have His way?

“And the LORD said unto him, This is the land which I sware unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, saying, I will give it unto thy seed: I have caused thee to see it with thine eyes, but thou shalt not go over thither" (v. 4).

The great covenant promise was so soon to be fulfilled. Many long years had passed since the Lord had entered into the covenant with Abraham. The Lord had remained faithful to His Word in every detail. As the result, thrilling opportunities stretched before the Israelites as they were preparing to enter into the fullness of His covenant promise. But, not Moses ... not in the same sense! "Thou shalt not go over thither."

"These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off" (Hebrews 11:13). Does this mean that their faith went unrewarded? Never! On Mount Pisgah, Moses saw the land into which he could not go. Yet, he saw more! Beyond the land he saw the far more glorious land -- the one into which he could, and would go!

"But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for He hath prepared for them a city" (Hebrews 11:16). The Lord enabled Moses to look beyond, to see "a better country -- an heavenly!"

Have we really set our hearts on the better country -- the heavenly city? Or, are we so completely preoccupied with the things of this world we give the eternal reality no thought?

Paul was right! "Having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better!" (Philippians 1: 23) There was only one consideration which detained him here: "To abide in the flesh is more needful for you" (verse 24). Remaining in the will of God to serve others! "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above. Set your affections on things above!" (Colossians 3:1, 2)

Moses saw! His service on earth was finished. He was ready -- ready for the glory of being with God, which was, and is, far better! Are we ready? Is this our hope and desire?

The 'man of prayer' had run his course! What an incredible difference his faithful life and service had made! Very few men have had an equal impact on the world and its history than Moses.

What was the secret of his life? What explains its amazing and incredible accomplishments? One thing! PRAYER! Prayer, by which He was made one with the heart and mind of the Lord, releasing the mighty power of God in the most thrilling ways. Both in his life, as well as in his death, the sovereign Lord was fully able to have His way! God was able to work in almighty power to accomplish His glorious plans and purposes.

God did everything in answer to the prayers of the 'man of prayer'! The faith of Moses, expressed in genuine intercession is the key! God is still seeking such people today ... people who pay the price of really learning to pray ... people who are committed to be sacrificial intercessors, who are determined to stand in the gap! Are you willing to be that one person today whom the Lord can use to work in almighty power to accomplish His plans and purposes?

God buried Moses! No man knows where! Why would God give this special - this unique - attention to His servant, Moses? The mystery deepens as we read Jude 9: "Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil, he disputed about the body of Moses!"

God buried the body of His servant, Moses. Yet, the devil attempted to gain control of the body of Moses. Michael the archangel stood guard, calling on the Lord to rebuke the devil! Why? Could it be related to the fact that the Lord planned to grant to His faithful servant a most wonderful privilege?

On the Mount of Transfiguration, when Jesus "was transfigured before them; and His face did shine as the sun, and His raiment was white as the light. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias (Elijah) talking with Him" (Matthew 17: 2, 3). Elijah, who did not die (2 Kings 2: 11), rather was transported to heaven in a whirlwind, and Moses, whom the Lord Himself buried, were representatives of God in the law and the prophets. They were both seen speaking with the Lord Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration! Their conversation concerned the death of Jesus at Jerusalem ... His death by which He brought: life to all who believed.

The Lord shared with Moses on Mount Pisgah, but the Lord was not through with His faithful servant yet! The future was filled with glory yet to be seen.

With his eyes on the eternal goal, he marched off the mount into the eternal glory! The Lord granted the 'man of prayer' the strength he needed to claim the 'eternal mount'. There the wonder of prayer and fellowship would continue -- throughout eternity!

He could look back and rejoice in the Lord for all He had done, knowing the Lord had so effectively used him. The Lord did it all -- in answer to prayer!

God still seeks those who have their eyes on Him, their confidence in Him, and who will apply themselves in the School of Prayer. He still seeks people with one desire: Lord, use me as Your intercessor to accomplish Your great work in almighty power today. The Lord does everything -- in answer to prayer!