Readings for today: Deuteronomy 1-3
Well done! You just finished Numbers and you’ve made it through what some would say is one of the toughest stretches in the Bible. Give yourself a high five! Now let’s dig into Deuteronomy. The final book in what’s known as the Torah.
The Book of Deuteronomy is a sermon. In fact, it is Moses’ final sermon to God’s people. His last will and testament. His final chance to encourage, challenge, confront, and comfort. He’s led Israel for decades. He’s led them out of Egypt. Led them through the wilderness. Led them through the ups and downs of the wilderness journey. He has personally witnessed the miracles of God. He has personally performed the miracles of God. Delivered the Ten Commandments. Issued the Law. Created an entire system of worship, governance, economics, and military organization that will long outlast him. It is a remarkable and almost unparalleled accomplishment.
Now he’s at the end of his life. He’s not going over the Jordan. He will not set foot in the Promised Land. He has one last chance to address the people he’s led for over forty years. What would you say if you were in Moses’ position? Given one last chance to address those you love or those you lead, what would be on your heart and mind? Moses points them to God. He points them to God’s faithfulness. Points them to God’s provision and protection. He wants them to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God is with them and He is for them and He is going before them as they cross over into new territory under new leadership.
“The Lord your God who goes before you will himself fight for you, just as he did for you in Egypt before your eyes, and in the wilderness, where you have seen how the Lord your God carried you, as a man carries his son, all the way that you went until you came to this place.” (Deuteronomy 1:30-31)
“For the Lord your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He knows your going through this great wilderness. These forty years the Lord your God has been with you. You have lacked nothing.” (Deuteronomy 2:7)
“This day I (the Lord) will begin to put the dread and fear of you on the peoples who are under the whole heaven, who shall hear the report of you and shall tremble and be in anguish because of you.” (Deuteronomy 2:25)
“Your eyes have seen all that the Lord your God has done to these two kings. So will the Lord do to all the kingdoms into which you are crossing. You shall not fear them, for it is the Lord your God who fights for you.” (Deuteronomy 3:21-22)
It’s an amazing testimony and it gets me thinking…when I finish my life, how will I feel? When I look back at all I’ve experienced. All I’ve accomplished. All I set out to do. When I think about my family. My children. My future grandchildren. What will I want them to know about me? Say about me? Remember about me? Will it have anything to do with Christ? With all my heart, I hope so!
Readings for tomorrow: Deuteronomy 4-7