We normally associate the name of Moses with the Torah, i.e. The Law or "Teaching" or "Commandments", but there is a fascinating ending to the book of Deuteronomy which runs: "Never since has there arisen a prophet in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face. He was unequalled for all the signs and wonders that the Lord sent him to perform in the land of Egypt." (Deuteronomy 31). Such was the ancient historian's assessment of the Prophet Moses in his dealings with the Hebrew people in their "infancy" as a nation under God's guidance laying great emphasis upon Discipline and Responsibility.
What then is a "Prophet"? Moses was far more than a philosopher, but one who revealed the will of God; he was in "close contact" with the God of Israel; one who recognised the spiritual dimension of life; one who pleaded passionately for himself and his companions, weak and sinful; one who declared the instructions of the Maker of the World for his people, so dear to God. Prophetic Teaching is concerned especially with Discipline and Responsibility.
From a Christian point of view we must accept the statement that we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God and his loving purposes for mankind.
From a secular point of view, we acknowledge that not all is well with us in our world. We know that we do not enjoy the peace and joy that we have lost, (or failed to find in our lives). We know that we do not enjoy the joy and peace of mind for which we long.
Depending upon our spiritual insight we feel a sense of guilt which, depending upon our transgressions and our sensitivity can wreak havoc with our peace of mind. "Had Zimri peace who slew his father?" "Am I my brother's keeper?" The greatest problem with the sense of guilt is that it seems to be self-generating, even when it is only for a lenient offence. It has the tendency to develop into a well-nigh-intolerable pain that haunts the patient and dogs his or her waking or sleeping hours, or both, until it becomes a pathological state. Here the believer who has faith is blessed by being able to confess, and through faith, gain pardon and peace.
Confession and pardon may be granted by those we have wronged, by private prayer, by Church mediation, but however they are granted, if the intent is genuine and sincere, pardon and peace may be obtained. Those of us who have visited and counselled prisoners, know how difficult it is, (yet how necessary), to convince some murderers and those guilty of even more serious offences to accept the truth of the statement that they have not committed the "Unforgivable Sin" (often confused with murder), and may yet gain pardon and peace through confession and God's mercy and forgiveness.
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