Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"
When Moses chose "to suffer affliction with the people of God" (Heb. 11:25), he turned his back on "the treasures in Egypt." His life thereafter was one of almost unending toil and sacrifice and tears, until finally he died utterly alone on Mount Nebo and was buried there by angels.
But as compensation, he was permitted to go up into "the mount" and there fast, and commune with the Infinite One. Moses was the man, unique among all fallen descendants of Adam, "whom the Lord knew face to face" (Deut. 34:10), for "the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend" (Ex. 33:11). What do you think--would that be worth more than Egypt's wealth and luxury?
Who is "Moses" today? The wealth of the Vatican is enormous, probably far greater than all the wealth that the ancient Pharaohs ever dreamed of. Does the Vatican turn its back on the glory of this world, in order to "suffer affliction with the people of God"?
Or is "Moses" a symbol of the leadership of Protestant churches today? God enjoyed "friendly" communion with Moses "face to face." It was a pleasure for Him. One wonders if today He is lonely, neglected, like an elderly man in a nursing home who yearns for someone to talk with "face to face."
Where is the pastor, the church administrator, the leader, who climbs "the mount" and fasts and communes with God, and thinks God's thoughts with Him, then goes down into the Valley, his face shining with glory, to communicate the knowledge of God to the people? What a pity if such a leader, appointed by God to shepherd His flock, never takes time to go up in the "mount"! Or have we come to a time of electronic marvels and jet planes and satellite glory, so that talking with God face to face as Moses did is old-fashioned?
Well, we want some Good News--so here it is: Your"mount" is waiting for you, and there on top is the Infinite One waiting patiently to commune with you. The air there is pure; youcan breathe it.
--Robert J. Wieland
From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: February 2, 1999.
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