Year in the Bible: Week 11
30 The Lord your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes, 31 and in the wilderness. There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place.” Deuteronomy 1:30-31
This week, we started our reading in the book of Deuteronomy. Deuteronomy is an important book, as it concludes the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible). Deuteronomy is a set of sermons preached by Moses to all of Israel shortly before his death and not long before the conquest of the land under the leadership of Joshua. Moses is urging Israel’s faithful obedience to the covenant laws of Sinai given 40 years previously.
Deuteronomy demonstrates that God’s faithfulness results in mercy to His sinful people.
Moses’ words motivate obedience to God by constantly reminding the people of God’s faithfulness and His power to keep His promises. This faithfulness that God displays remains despite Israel’s persistent sin. Deuteronomy demonstrates that God’s faithfulness results in mercy to His sinful people.
Israel is about to enter the land of Canaan, where people worship idol gods that represent various aspects of creation, such as the sun, weather, sex, and war. In Moses’ view, the worship of these gods degrades people and destroys communities, but obeying the God of Israel, the gracious creator God who redeemed them from slavery, will lead to life and blessing.
5 See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the Lord my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it. Deuteronomy 4:5
God gives us commands in His word to help us arrive at His best for our lives
As people of God, we are called to faithful obedience. God has been faithful to us and we are called to be faithful back to Him. When we are guided by God and we align our lives with God’s perfect will, we are filled with peace, purpose, and blessings. God gives us commands in His word to help us arrive at His best for our lives. Every command God asks of us isn’t just for His sake, but for ours. The call to obedience is for our benefit. He knows what is best for us and how to grow us to be stronger people and followers of Christ.
5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5