So far in our reading, we've read through Genesis, Job, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and we're just now getting going in Deuteronomy. This is the fifth and last book of the Torah, or the first five books of the Bible. Moses is nearing the end of his life and so far as I've read, he is reiterating to the Israelites once again, what they are to do in the days to come. At this point, they're about to cross over in the Promised Land, and Moses will not be the one to lead them there. It'll be Joshua and Caleb that will lead the people of Israel there and a new era in our reading will start in the book of Joshua, the Conquest Era. I've mentioned this before, but here is a website that you can visit to read about the 14 eras in the Bible. Moses didn't get to live there himself because of what happened of Meribah Kadesh in Numbers 20. God told him to speak to the rock and water would come forth, but Moses struck the rock twice with his staff instead. God wanted Moses and Aaron to trust Him, but in so doing this, Moses displayed that he didn't trust God enough to honor Him as holy.
At one point when I was reading, Moses begged God to allow him to go into the Promised Land, but God wouldn't allow him. He did allow him to go the ledge of a mountain and look out upon the land. I thought that was so sad, but I know that God is holy and sovereign, and He takes it seriously when one of His own disobeys Him. This is what I've been reading about so far in Deuteronomy—a call to obedience to God. He also reminds them of the greatest command, a Jewish prayer called the Shema that was so important that Jesus also included it in His prayer in Mark 12:28-30. Jesus was acknowledging God as most important and worth being devoted to. I love this passage in Deuteronomy 6:4-6.
Listen, Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart.
I love that in Deuteronomy 8, Moses gave them a charge to remember all the Lord had done for them in bringing them out of Egypt. They wandered in the desert for 40 years in going to a place that should have been an eleven day journey! In all those years, their clothing never wore out and their feet never swelled. In chapter 10, Moses shared with them what God required—to fear the LORD and to walk in His ways. He reminded them to remember and to obey and he told them of how there would be a blessing for obedience and a curse for their disobedience. God gave them very specific instructions to follow and they had no reason not to follow His ways. I'll later read that they did not follow His very specific instructions and generations suffered because of that disobedience.
I guess the reason I love this book so much is that it points me to God's sovereignty. It points me to trust in His perfect plan and to follow His ways. I can tie a little of this in with the Bible study I'm currently doing on true biblical womanhood, how we're to be women who practice discernment, who live honorable lives and who honor others. To the one who is unbelieving, all of this would seem like a list of rules of things we're not to do. It would seem foolish and impossible. And it is impossible without Him. But with God, it's possible to live in a way that is pleasing to the Lord. We are human and we will mess up over and over again, but when we do, it's important to acknowledge the sin in our lives, repent of it and to go forward. God gives us abundant grace!
I'm leaving you with one verse and one last thought on what I read Monday that jumped out to me. It's Deuteronomy 8:11 in the NLT.
Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the LORD your God and disobey his commands, regulations, and decrees that I am giving you today.
That's a great reminder for us all, is it not? I think many of us have been faithful to depend upon God in the hard times in life and have often forgotten Him when things are good. Isn't that the normal? I've certainly done that inadvertently and I've witnessed others walking in that same way. We have much to be thankful for in America and it's because of this very thing that we are prone to apathy in our spiritual lives. Haven't you noticed how different it is for believers in other countries who are poverty stricken? I'm thinking of friends we have in Africa that are there as missionaries and how hungry those dear people are to hear from the Lord. I couldn't help but read that and then stop to examine and pray over my own heart. It's always important to do that and to pray as you read in the Bible, asking the Lord to help you apply what you've read. If we don't do that, it would be pointless to read the Bible.
I've only made it through chapter ten or eleven so far in the book of Deuteronomy, but I'm excited to keep reading. No matter that I've read it before, the Lord is always faithful to point new things out to me. Where are you reading right now? Has anything jumped out at you like this? I'd love to hear from you! I think it's good to share in this, because it keeps us all accountable. Thanks for reading my blog, friends. Love to all.
I am reading through the Bible this year in a different format than I've done before and I am liking it. I do think it's important to pray before reading scripture but I admit that I don't always do this. I think the Lord knows that I want to learn from His word even if I don't pray beforehand. Still, it's a really good habit to get into and I need to be more intentional about it so I appreciate the reminder. I struggle with getting practical application out of some parts of the Old Testament but the overarching themes of God's goodness, sovereignty and His plan are evident throughout and I try to focus on that. Have a great day, friend!
ReplyDeleteI don't always do this either, Maria. I'm so glad the Lord knows our hearts, though and that He sees the intention of our them. Grace upon grace! There are days that I also struggle with the Old Testament, but I sure do enjoy the parts I do enjoy! I also believe that we're being transformed by what we read, even if we don't fully understand it. I hope you had a great day! Thanks for sharing your thoughts as always. I always appreciate that.
ReplyDeleteI loved your paragraph on why you love this book. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Marilyn!
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