December 2nd - The Prophet Like Moses

Scripture Reading

"The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him." - Deuteronomy 18:15 (NIV)

Have you ever waited for someone who could explain everything to you? In school, sometimes we struggle with a concept until that one special teacher comes along who knows exactly how to make it clear. Moses was that kind of teacher for the Israelites - he explained God's ways, led them through difficult times, and spoke to God on their behalf. But here, Moses tells them about someone even greater who would come.

This promise pointed to Jesus, though the Israelites wouldn't see its fulfillment for many centuries. Like Moses, Jesus would teach God's truth, perform mighty works, and stand between God and people - but in an even more profound way. While Moses could only tell people about God's laws, Jesus would actually show us what God is like by being God in human form. During Advent, we remember this long period of waiting for the prophet who would be greater than Moses.

What makes this promise especially meaningful is that God didn't just send instructions or a rulebook - He sent a person. Jesus came to walk among us, to experience our struggles, and to teach us not just with words but with His entire life. When we read about Moses telling the people to "listen to him," we're being invited into a relationship with someone who understands us completely and can guide us perfectly.

Further Reading:

John 1:14-18 (NIV)

"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, 'This is the one I spoke about when I said, "He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me."') Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known."

Questions for Reflection:

1. When has someone's explanation changed your understanding of something? Can you think of some way Jesus has changed your thinking?

2. How does having direct access to God through Jesus affect your prayer life?

3. Where do you see God's grace building upon previous grace in your life?

Prayer:

Dear Father, thank you for not leaving us to figure things out on our own. Thank you for sending Jesus, the perfect teacher and guide who shows us exactly who You are. Help us to listen to Him as Moses instructed, not just with our ears but with our hearts. During this Advent season, make us more aware of the incredible gift of having Jesus as our prophet, teacher, and friend. Give us humble hearts to learn from Him and courage to follow where He leads. In Jesus's name, Amen.