Day #70

Sermon - Audio
Deut 1-2 - Audio
Deut 1-2 - Daily Reading

Daily Insights - Please Comment

1

The book of Deuteronomy as a chapter in the master story of the Bible.

"The Bible tells the story of how God wants his people to live. This is exactly what the instructions in the book of Deuteronomy accomplish. Additionally, the overall story of the Bible is the story of the soul’s choice, as individuals repeatedly make a choice for or against God. The book of Deuteronomy places the great choice before us. Deuteronomy also contributes to the story of salvation history: the rules and regulations were foreshadowings of the perfect obedience and sacrifice of Christ" (ESBLSB).

'Deuteronomy is marked throughout by a spirit of urgency. The book comes even to the modern reader in much the same way as a challenging sermon, for it is directed towards moving the minds and wills of the hearers to decision: Choose life, that you and your descendants may live (30:19). The work as a whole was evidently intended to give Israel instruction and education in her faith and to press home to her the demands of her faith...careful study of Deuteronomy makes it clear that the book is not a juridical statement at all but rather an exposition of a faith "(J.A.Thompson 12).

The name Deuteronomy means “second law.” It was the 2nd law given, the first would be at Mt. Siani. This was done most likely because Moses realized the need for this "new group" of Israelites to hear and obey God's law.

v1-v2 = The title of the book of Deuteronomy in Jewish means “These are the words,” or simply "the words.” It is addressed to all of Israel from Moses.

v5 = Deuteronomy is in the form of a sermon by Moses, a sort of “farewell address,” in which he undertakes to “explain this law” to the people who, under different leadership, will be occupying the promised land. It harks back, of course, to the laws given at Sinai a generation earlier, but differs from them in that—as might be expected when “preaching” the law—Moses frequently inserts a reminder of the proper motivation for keeping the Lord’s instructions. (ASB)

This means that Moses is going to direct them to the promised land, but will not posses it himself.

v6 = A Thought - God never planned on us staying on the mountain forever as well = "So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian."

v8-v11 = We see both the blessings of land and people are reiterated by Moses to the nation of Israel. They had grown immensely by this point and were flourishing. It was now time for them to take the land that was promised.

v9-18 = "This account combines and reinterprets two previous accounts of the creation of a military–judicial system to share the burden of leadership (compare vv. 9–12 with Num. 11:14–17 and vv. 13–17 with Exod. 18:13–27). This new version places the institutionalization of leadership after the departure from Sinai rather than before it and omits the important advisory role of Jethro, the non–Israelite (contrast Exod. ch 18)" (JSB).

v19-25 = Moses tells about Kadesh Barnea where Israel's unfaithfulness would be shown through disobedience to God's command to go and posses the promised land. The people sent out spies which came back with bad reports except Caleb and Joshua.

v26-v33 = Moses recalls the peoples reaction to God's provision. They grumbled, complained, and hated Caleb and Joshua for the good report. They did not trust God after all that He had brought them through. They did not trust His promises.

Q. Do you trust His promises?
Q. How should we react to situations in light of the promises we live with?

I'm reminded of Paul's writings in 1 Corinthians 10 = "Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did." I am called to look at how people reacted in the past to the promises of God, and respond in a way that brings glory to God. Not to mention that so many more promises have been kept/fulfilled since then. However, Too many times I respond to God's promises much like the Israelites did.

v34-v46 = The outcome of their transgressions: No promise land along with death in the wilderness. Moses even recalls their half-hearted attempt to "change the story" as Larry stated this past Sunday. GOD'S STORY IS NOT TO BE CHANGED!

2

v1 = In verse 1:46 & 2:1 we see "many days" . . . long time. That is, the 38 years of waiting and wandering. Dt. 2:14 (Scofield)

v1-v6 = Journey to Edom is recalled. Some God humor here. The Israelites were being punished so much that even a much smaller country would not be overtaken by them. God not only demanded that they not take the land as they passed through, but that they support the people by buying food and drink from them. I find this humorous as it must have been a dent to their pride.

v7-18 - Journey through Moab is recalled. Once again they are not allowed to conquer the land.

v19-23 = Journey through the land of the Ammonites. Once again they are not allowed to conquer the land.

v24 - 37 = Finally they get to fight! Moses remembers the conquest of Sihon, king of the Amorites. God hardens his heart as he did with Pharaoh. His people would now begin to conquer and posses land. The king's heart was hardened so that God could deliver the land over to His people. The people now realize what they could have had 38 years ago had they just trusted and listened to God!

Q. What deserts and other unintended consequences/situations are you in because you are in the "driver's seat," and have left God on the curb?

Q. How do we continuously follow and stay focused on God's mission? When a group of Christ followers don't (the church), what desert(s) do we end up in?

Prayer = Father, may Evergreen Ministries trust and live in your promises each day. For we know that you have been faithful in completing much of your work through the death and resurrection of our savior Jesus Christ, and by your grace you have reconciled us back to yourself. Your children cry out for you to make our mission collectively clear as we live as separated people aiding in the restoration of all things for your glory! Lead us, hold us, and encourage us until we see the fullness of your glory,

Amen.