Everything was prepared for the Israelites to enter and occupy Canaan under the direction the Lord would give to Moses, who had been sent to bring His people out of Egypt and guide them to the new land. They had endured forty years in the desert. Now they stood before Canaan, yet only the second generation would possess it, for the first—except for Joshua and Caleb—did not believe God’s promise. Moses himself would not enter either, because he became angry at the people’s murmuring and struck the Rock twice, which represented Christ (Exodus 17:6; Numbers 20:11; 1 Corinthians 10:4).

No one expected the leader of the exodus to go against divine instruction, yet he failed to remain watchful and lost the final honor of his mission. Today, we know of servants who have yielded to the devil’s lies, sinned, and turned away from the faith. They will forfeit the blessing of the rapture. Some lie openly, forgetting that such behavior stands against the Truth, and their condemnation will be revealed to all on the day of Christ’s return. Why be lost?

The command given to Moses was to arise. This teaches us that we cannot carry out the Lord’s work unless we are in fellowship with Him, for nothing we attempt apart from God will succeed. Jesus taught that without Him we can do nothing (John 15:5). Those who insist that God excuses their sinful behavior deceive themselves. Such people must repent!

Never follow the fool who claims that God’s commandments should not be taken seriously, for such a person lies to avoid losing followers. Yet the redeemed will not be deceived, even by the schemes of the father of lies. The Bible says: To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. (Isaiah 8:20). Unfortunately, many evil practices are approved by those who should be witnesses of Jesus. Watch, pray, and believe!

In addition to rising up, Moses was instructed to set out before the people. His garments and his heart needed to be clean in order to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. Listen to the voice of the Lord, who warns about those who have strayed and therefore will not be among the redeemed in His Kingdom. Woe to those who once walked among the saved and could have been strengthened by the Word, growing in every way, yet backslid in faith and returned to sin (2 Peter 2:20–22)!

We are on our way to the heavenly Jerusalem, where we will dwell with God and the angels. Why give attention to the enemy’s lies? Return to the Lord’s fold. The return of Jesus will be sudden and unexpected, leaving no room for delay (Matthew 24:27, 36–39). Those who repent, confess their sins, and seek the Lord’s forgiveness will be redeemed. Take your stand!

Jesus has already suffered the punishment that brings us peace. You need only believe in Him to be saved (Isaiah 53:4–6). The Lord will fulfill His Word in your life. However, if you postpone the decision to stand with Him, it may be too late. The time is now (John 3:16–21)!

           In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares