|
In Deuteronomy 4:1-14 Israel is told what they, as a nation, will be known for. Not wealth, power, or influence - they will be known for wisdom, righteousness, and God's presence with them! Through obeying God's commandments, they will display and experience God's goodness and wisdom in relationship with him. We, as Christians, are likewise to obey God. Like Israel, obedience for us leads to wisdom and righteousness in our living. More, as we obey, we experience the goodness of our God because his commandments are good and wise. How is he calling you to act in obedience to him this week?
In Deuteronomy 3:23-29 Moses tells the people that he is not allowed to enter the Promise Land because the Lord is angry with him on account of the people. In Numbers, we find that Moses had usurped God's place as head of the nation when he and Aaron took credit for bringing water from a rock! In doing so, Moses became identified with the rebellious generation and shared in their punishment. In the context of Deuteronomy1-3, this is a call to take God's discipline seriously and to walk in obedience! As Christians, we learn from this many lessons. Which are you focusing on this week?
Through Deuteronomy chapters two and three we saw that the Lord is sovereign over the nations including where and when they live. We saw his goodness toward undeserving people and his constant provision for his own people. We were reminded that the Lord is sovereign over our troubles and trials. God has not changed! He continues to rule this world for the good of his people. Knowing this, like the Israelites entering the Promise Land, we are invited to live with hope and courage. In the pursuit of trusting the Lord and living with hope, consider one of the four action steps suggested in response to God's sovereign goodness.
What are you afraid of?
In Deuteronomy 1:19-46 we are reminded of Israel's history. After being led across a vast desert, the nation came to the promise land. Even after seeing God's great works, they would not enter! They saw the people of the land. They saw the fortified cities. They were afraid because they did not trust the power of God! They were afraid because they did not trust the goodness of God. Their lack of faith led to rebellion. What do you fear? What does this fear say about your faith in God's goodness and power? How does lack of faith in God's greatness and goodness lead to disobedience in your own life? Learn from Israel! Take time this week to reflect on God's works in your life - how he has provided for and protected you beginning with salvation. Study the Word of God and consider how fear may be preventing you from obeying him. Then repent of a lack of faith, trust the Lord, and take a step of obedience! Where is the Lord calling you to trust him this week? Deuteronomy 1:9-18 recounts Moses appointing judges. He calls for wise, understanding, and experienced leaders who would judge with righteousness and without any partiality knowing that their justice represented God's. In this way the nation of Israel would display God's character to the world.
The church is not under the covenant of Moses, but we learn about God's character in this passage. God is a god of justice and so those who love him must love justice! This applies within the church first. As the people who are a preview of God's kingdom, the church must be a place free from the divisions and prejudices present in society. Honestly examine yourself and repent if you are guilty of partiality! Secondly, individual Christians should celebrate and promote justice because we love the Lord who is just - not because we think any society will be perfected apart from the Lord's return. An excellent place to put this into practice is the National Association of Evangelicals' Take Action page. On this page you can sign letters urging our civil leaders to act justly. See the page HERE. Finally, Moses reminded the people that he was a mere man and could not carry the nation. Every leader apart from Jesus is the same! Jesus is our hope. Only he deserves our unwavering loyalty. He is faithful and can be trusted to preserve his people until the end. Until then, we live with courage knowing that HE is the one who upholds his people. |
RSS Feed