Numbers 27:12-23 - The Alleviations Of Death

I. A CLEAR VIEW OF THE GLORIOUS FUTURE OF THE CHURCH . As Moses saw the land, not yet possessed, but already "given," so may faith anticipate the goodly heritage of the future. Illustrate Joseph's death-bed ( Genesis 1:24 ); David's anticipations of an age of glory under Solomon; the bright glimpses of the future with which nearly every one of the minor prophets concludes.

II. A RELEASE FROM THE GRAVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THAT FUTURE . Moses was spared from the wars of the Lord in the conquest of Canaan. And Christians, though willing, like the aged Dr. Lyman Beecher, to "enlist again in a minute," "to begin life over again, and work once more" (‘Autobiography,' 2:552), are spared from the conflicts of the "perilous times" of the future.

III. AN ASSURANCE THAT THE WORK OF GOD WILL BE EFFICIENTLY CARRIED ON WITHOUT us. Not even a Moses is essential to the Church of God; Joshua will do the work as well.

IV. AN ADMITTANCE TO THE COMPANY OF THE PIOUS DEAD . "Thy people," who died in faith, and now live with God. With brighter hopes than any heathens, or even than Moses, we may say, "I go to the majority."

V. A PEACEFUL DEPARTURE SUCH AS OTHER LOVED ONES HAVE EXPERIENCED . "As Aaron thy brother was gathered." We have seen "the end of their course" ( Hebrews 13:7 ), and may expect grace for dying hours such as they enjoyed.—P.