Gene Cunningham - June 9, 2000
Life of Moses #23
Moses points to Christ. There's a righteousness apart from the law; but the law points to it (Rom 3:21). Moses as representative of the law, points us to Christ (Gal 3:24). Moses often represents the first five books of the bible (Luk 24:27). Moses could view the land but not enter it (Deu 34:1-3). Application: (1) Law can't save you; (2) cannot make you spiritual -- cannot lead you to rest.; (3) the law cannot bless you (Rom 3:20) -- that which comes by faith. The representative of the law, Moses, could not go into the land (Deu 34:4-6, Heb 6:18). Sin separates us from God's plan (Isa 59:1-2). Moses testifies to the faithfulness of God and sinfulness of man. Joshua took over to go into the land (Deu 34:9). There was a fight over the body of Moses when he died (Jud 1:9). Joshua is a prophetic picture of Christ (Hebrew for "Jesus"): Only the Lord can give us rest, lead us to blessing, spirituality and fruitfulness depends upon the finished work of Jesus. The failure of Moses: Situation was "no water" again. The people say in essence that "God didn't fulfill His promises" (Num 20:1-6); carnality never changes. Moses is a type of Christ (Num 20:6): he is a deliverer; he is a law giver (Jam 4:11); he is the mediator (1Ti 2:5); he is an intercessor (Joh 17:1-26); he is our mentor -- the instructor and example. The Lord told Moses to speak to the rock (Num 20:7-8). Same situation occurred before (Exo 17:6). Moses knew that the rock represents Christ, the Messiah (1Co 10:4); Jesus Christ was smitten just once for our salvation (Heb 10:10, Heb 10:12, Heb 10:14, Joh 19:30). Salvation was wrought before Christ died while on the cross. The cross gives us our criteria and perspective of the resurrection. Moses violates the principle of the cross (Num 20:10-11). God gave water in grace, but the mark of spirituality is the cross with joy. God responds to Moses (Num 20:12-13) Moses didn't believe, obey, nor glorify God. The Lord invites us to join in His glorification; if we don't He still glorifies himself. Speaking to the rock is what is necessary - "...call upon His name..." (Rom 10:13). The Law cannot lead you to victory, but must lead you to Christ. Moses recounts the scene (Deu 3:23-28). The Law giving way before Christ is Moses handing over command to Joshua. Moses directly prophesied Christ "the Prophet" (Deu 18:15-19). Moses and Elijah will be recognized (Luk 9:28-30). They represent the Law and the Prophets. The transfiguration (Joh 1:14). Moses and Elijah have work yet to do (Rev 11:3-12) to establish right relationships with God. This was prophesied (Mal 4:1-6). They'll turn hardened rebellious people back to the Lord during the tribulation.
Scripture References: John 17:1-26, Romans 3:21, John 19:30, Hebrews 6:18, Luke 9:28-30, James 4:11, Hebrews 10:14, Deuteronomy 34:4-6, Deuteronomy 18:15-19, Numbers 20:6, Hebrews 10:12, Romans 3:20, Deuteronomy 3:23-28, Numbers 20:1-6, Hebrews 10:10, Deuteronomy 34:1-3, Romans 10:13, Jude 1:9, Malachi 4:1-6, Exodus 17:6, Luke 24:27, Numbers 20:12-13, Deuteronomy 34:9, Revelation 11:3-12, Numbers 20:7-8, Galatians 3:24, Numbers 20:10-11, Isaiah 59:1-2, John 1:14
From Series: "Life of Moses"
After 40 years in the Egyptian palace then 40 years in the desert then 40 years leading Israel to their land Moses' life can actually teach us about living in the time we live.