000 Allen FMT (i-xxii) - The Presbyterian Leader

106 Proper 25 [30]/Year A
Moses “broke faith.” Consequently, scholars offer several different interpretations,
none of which warrant a recrimination as severe as exclusion
from the land. 35
The Deuteronomic theologians use God’s punishment of Moses to
illustrate that disobedience brings curse. From today’s perspective, the
punishment seems disproportionate. The preacher may want to join the
book of Job in raising a theological protest against viewpoints such as this
aspect of Deuteronomism.
Moses died at the age of 120 but only by God’s command. Indeed, until
death Moses was the epitome of vigor (34:5, 7). According to Deuteronomy
21:13, households mourned thirty days for a parent. By mourning,
the community acknowledges Moses as head of the house, one who represents
the family’s most important values and identity (34:10–12).
In a moving pastoral touch, Deuteronomy 34:5 implies that God personally
buried Moses (Deut. 34:6). Despite denying Moses the promised
land, God sees that Moses is accorded a proper burial (with attendant
respect) according to ancient custom.
By stating that Moses laid hands on Joshua, the narrator assures readers
that they can trust Joshua’s leadership because Joshua was Moses’ legitimate
successor.
Deuteronomy 34:10–12 implies that Deuteronomy is the set of theological
criteria to evaluate community life. This text buttresses “the
authority of Deuteronomy against versions of God’s teaching that were
inconsistent with the book.” 36 Communities do need clear core values by
which to evaluate possibilities for community life. Yet, making the teaching
of Deuteronomy absolute makes it an idol. Moreover, today’s congregation
should be theologically and morally uneasy with aspects of
Deuteronomy, such as the demand to execute people who worship sun or
moon (Deut. 17:2–7).
Leaders are sometimes called, like Moses, to lead congregations toward
promises the leaders will never themselves realize. What theological
resources sustain people under such circumstances? Furthermore, a
sobering realization is here. Faithful leaders sometimes bear the fate of
unfaithful communities.
Leviticus 19:1–2, 15–18* (Paired)
For comments on this passage, please see the Seventh Sunday after the
Epiphany/Year A.