Deuteronomy: Lessons to remember as you walk to the Promised Land - Chapter 7

CHAPTER 7:

I just finished watching the news. It was all about the coronavirus, the possible death toll, the news that the next two weeks are going to be really bad. Warnings are everywhere. Uncertainty weighs heavily on everyone. How will this work out? When will it end? Will my family and loved ones be okay? How will I keep my children sheltered and safe and unaffected as much as possible? When the future is ominous, our fears can take over. That is what happened to the Israelites when they first attempted to enter the Promised Land. Their fear of the unknown won their hearts instead of their fear of the LORD who was guiding them. Chapter 6 ends with the reminder that God had reminded the Israelites to observe His law, to fear Him, and this would be for their survival in this land they were about to enter.

Read Deuteronomy Chapter 7. Make a list of the warnings and the blessings as you read.

In verses 2-3, Moses gives a list of “shall nots.” What would these things prevent from happening? (Look in verse 4.)

Verse 6 tells why? Why are they to follow these commands?

There were so many blessings listed. Which blessing from the LORD is most interesting to you? Why?

The last images in this chapter are another warning. This warning is about bringing the graven images of false gods into their homes. It would be a snare to them, a trap they couldn’t escape. Moses told them, “You shall not bring an abomination into your house . . .” (v. 26). Our homes are where we live, where we dwell. The things in our home are personal to us. To bring a graven image into their home would be mean they liked it or wanted it or both. This would trap them.

I started wondering . . . what do we bring into our homes that is an abomination to God? We don’t have graven images of other gods, I don’t think. But if our worship begins in the heart, begins with our love for God, then what do we have that might trap us and keep us from following God? Music? Television? Movies we watch? Secret things on a glowing screen? What is in our homes?

Is there anything in your home, close to your heart that is taking you away from the Lord? If so, pray and ask the Lord for help removing this idol.

Read verses 6-10 again.


The Israelites were not blessed by God because they had done anything special or were large in number. No. They were blessed simply because God chose them and had promised their forefathers. They were blessed because He is God, He is faithful, and He is full of lovingkindness. The same is true for us. God chose us out of love and faithfulness. He delivered us from sin and bondage and death. He calls us to a life focused on Him, but it requires we fight the cultural distractions thrown at us from every angle. He promises to be with us, to bless us. If we walk away, we are still chosen; He is still faithful. We have simply decided we like the distraction more than the blessed truth. Have we walked away from God's lovingkindness? Is He trying to bring us back? I can't help but wonder.

There is a line from the song “Highlands and Heartache” that says, “There is no less God within the shadows.” This is true. Even when we choose the darker path, God is still there in our midst. He is still here among us with the virus, as well. Why? Because He is who He says He is. . .and we are His. He wants to bless you, but He requires that you follow Him. Can you hear him whispering in the dark, “Oh that they had such a heart in them . . .” Come out from the shadows. Set your eyes on Jesus, and walk with Him through the land He has given you.

Love. Remember. Fear. Observe. Be blessed. That is God’s plan for us.

Lesson to Remember: God is faithful
A Way to Walk: Be aware of the things you let enter your home that take you away from Jesus. Remove those things. They are a snare to you.

Deuteronomy: Lessons to remember as you walk to the Promised Land - Chapter 6

CHAPTER 6:

My husband likes to do his homework before making a big purchase. Take our refrigerator, for example. He received lots of advice from friends and YouTube and family members. In fact, he spent hours and hours reading and listening to what others had to say before he made a decision. When we finally arrived at the store, I had a choice between two refrigerators because those were the only two that met his mechanical expectations. I’m just sayin’ . . . It was a good thing I liked one of them. God gave us a mind to think things through and reason them out for things like refrigerator purchases, but more importantly so that we can reason out our thoughts about Him.

The Israelites are perched on the edge of the Promised Land in Deuteronomy. They are about to enter into a place that will offer all kinds of advice on how to do things even if they aren’t seeking to know. God knows they will need some clear directions on how to follow Him. They will also need to know the benefits. God’s simple directions and benefits are outlined by Moses in Deuteronomy 6.

Please read Deuteronomy chapter 6, and as you read make a list of things the Israelites were told to do, were told NOT to do, and the rewards promised.


Have you ever baked a cake? What is the first ingredient, the one you start with? Flour, of course. Then you add milk and eggs and flavorings. If you did not have flour, you would not end up with a cake. Milk and eggs and flavorings alone would make something totally different. A custard maybe, but not a cake.

There were many things God told the Israelites to do, but they all hinged on one main ingredient. Without this, their worship would not be the same.

What was the first thing the Israelite’s were supposed to do? Look in verse 5.

It all starts with love! Love is the key ingredient for all the rest to happen. There are four words for love in the Greek language, and each has slightly different connotations. Eros is used for romantic love. Philia is used for brotherly love between peers. Storge is used for a parent’s love for their child. Agape is used to describe the love of God.

We tend to always think of love as a feeling. This feeling of love comes with baggage. It is sometimes based on need: intimacy, companionship, and/or support. When someone needs these things, you give your love. Earthly love is also based on returns. Will you get intimacy, companionship, or support in return? If so, you may offer your love for this payment. Lastly, our earthly love is based on worth. Is the object of your affection worth your love? If so, you will give it.

Agape love, the love that first comes from God, doesn’t just feel; it is an action. It is defined as “an intelligent, purposeful attitude of esteem and devotion; a selfless, purposeful, outgoing attitude that desires to do good to the one loved” (Wilkin 34). Agape love does not need anything; it does not want anything in return; it does not count the worth of the one being loved. Agape love gives affection and devotion regardless of whether love is deserved or will be returned. This is exactly how God loves us.

<i>Read Romans 5:8.
How is this a love of will and not a love based on need, reciprocity, or worth?

Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.
These verses are often read at weddings. Why do you think people want these verses read at their wedding?
How do these verses highlight God’s love for us?

Read Luke 6:35.
How is this an example of agape love?

Read Matthew 22:35-40.
How are we to love the LORD our God? How are we to love those around us?

This is known as the Great Commandment. Our obedience to everything God has called us to do is built on agape love for Him and for others. Like a cake without flour, without love, we do not get worship of the one true God. Without love, our obedience is for nothing.

God had good things in store for the Israelites. He placed a clear plan in front of them. Love Him. Remember what He had done. Fear Him. Observe His laws. Teach the children. Be blessed. This pattern was designed to preserve them. Seems simple enough, right? But in a world full of distractions, it is very difficult. Today is no different.

Love-Remember-Fear-Observe-Teach. Do we do this today for our Lord? Do I do this? What happens if we don’t love Him? What happens if we forget? What happens when we don’t regard Him as holy, don’t follow Him? What happens if we neglect to teach our children about Him? What happens when we forget that we were slaves to sin, that the Father sent His son to do a mighty work on the cross, and bring us from a world of captivity and death into eternal life? What happens?

“Oh, that they had such a heart in them, that they would fear Me and keep My commandments always, that it may be well with them and with their sons forever” (Deut. 5:29).

It all begins with the heart. Have you searched the Lord enough to find Him the object of your agape love? If not, it isn’t too late. The pages of His Word are full of His glory. And He is always listening when you call on His name. Take the time to build a heart for your Lord. All the rest will follow.

Lesson to Remember: God desires good for you

A Way to Walk: Love the Lord. Remember what He has done for you. Fear Him, for He is the living God. Observe His commandments and follow Him. Teach your children to do the same.







Wilkin, Jen. In His Image. Crossway: 2018 ,p. 34.

Deuteronomy: Lessons to remember as you walk to the Promised Land - Chapter 5

CHAPTER 5:

The key word for Deuteronomy 5 is “Listen.” Moses recounts the giving of the 10 Commandments and what they said. He also remembers the people’s reaction to the voice of God. As you read today, pay attention to the commandments and their reaction.

Please read Deuteronomy chapter 5: 1-21.

In verse 6, how does God introduce Himself? What do His actions reveal about Him?

Verses 7-21 list the 10 Commandments. Write a brief list so you can remember them.


The 10 Commandments are hard to follow. And just when the Jewish people thought they had it under control, Jesus made it even more difficult. In his Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), Jesus reveals it isn’t the action that makes one guilty, it is the heart. About the 6th law, not murdering, Jesus said, “But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty . . .” (Matthew 5:22). About adultery, the 7th law, Jesus says that anyone who looks with lust as already committed adultery (Matthew 5:27-28). It is your heart that makes you guilty before the Lord, not your actions. Ouch! If it is about the heart, we cannot win. Our hearts are full of desire – desire that leads us astray. So, if we cannot follow the Law, then why did God give us something we couldn’t do?

Read Romans 3:20.

What is the purpose of God’s Law?

God didn’t give the Law so that we could follow it. He gave the Law to show us we couldn’t, to make us look to Him for help. God’s Law points us to the need for a savior. It points us to Christ.

Read the Romans Road to Salvation. Read each verse in order: Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Romans 5:8, Romans 10:9-10, Romans 10:13.

We cannot perfectly observe the Law and secure our own salvation. God knew we couldn’t, so He sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to secure it for us. Praise God! He did it to show us His glory! He did it for us! If you have not ever accepted this free gift, let me just say that it is the most important thing you will ever do in life. No other decision is this important. Nothing. Ever. Is. More. Important. Don’t delay! Pray. Admit the things that are on your heart, for surely there are things swirling in your mind right now. Confess them to the Lord. Ask for forgiveness. Tell Him you want this life He offers. He isn’t hard to find. Remember: You will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart.

My prayer is that you took the time to do that.

Read Deuteronomy 5:22-33.

Can you imagine! The people stood at the foot of the mountain and heard God speak. Fire and thunder and clouds. I wonder what it sounded like. I wonder if I would have been just as scared as they were. What about you?

It reminds me of the prophet Isaiah’s encounter with the living God. (You can read it for yourself here.) In Isaiah 6, Isaiah is brought before the LORD’S throne in a vision. He sees the Almighty God, his robe filling the temple, the Seraphim calling out, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the LORD of hosts, the whole world is full of His glory” (v. 3). Smoke rose and the foundations shook at the LORD’S voice. Isaiah immediately goes face down. Bam! I don’t think he had a choice. I think it was an immediate natural reaction. When the Creator of the universe speaks, you move. Isaiah’s first thought is his mouth. I don’t know what he had been saying, but it must have been sinful. I find it interesting that in the presence of the LORD, Isaiah’s sin is the first thing on his mind. He immediately confesses: “Woe is me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts” (v. 5).

There he is, face down, confessing his sin to the face of God. And what happens? The LORD sends a burning coal from His altar to touch Isaiah’s lips and cleans him. “Behold, this has touched your lips; and your iniquity is taken away and your sin is forgiven.” God declares (v. 7). Isaiah does nothing to earn forgiveness. All he does is confess. It is the same with us. The LORD provides our forgiveness through Jesus. All we need to do is confess.

Like Isaiah, has God ever made you completely aware of a specific sin? If so, what was your reaction?

What do you imagine it will be like to stand in front of the living God?

What will you tell Him when you see Him?


God is powerful, for sure, but He is also loving. God’s sweet voice is clear to me in verse 29. Listen and hear His longing for you: “Oh, that they had such a heart in them, that they would fear Me and keep all My commandments always, that it may be well with them and with their sons forever!” Did you hear His love? Powerful and loving. That is God.
God loves you. He wants you with Him. He wants it to go well with you

He longs to be your God and He longs for you to be His. It has been His plan all along, and He has made the way possible through Jesus. Won’t you bow before Him and let His sweet voice fill you up?

Lesson to remember: Salvation comes from the LORD
A Way to Walk: Confess your sin. Seek the LORD. Thank Him for salvation.

Deuteronomy: Lessons to remember as we walk to the Promised Land - Chapter 4

CHAPTER 4:

The first 3 chapters of Deuteronomy are an introduction in this farewell speech. You can hear the transition into this next section at the beginning of chapter 4: “Now, O Israel, listen . . .” Moses will remind the Israelites of his laws. Watch for what they are supposed to do and what God did.

Please read Deuteronomy chapter 4.

Moses uses deductive reasoning throughout Deuteronomy: if you do this, then this will happen. He doesn’t use the words if. . . then, but will often use “so that.”

What is the deductive statement found in verse 1?

In verse 6-8, why are the people to follow God’s laws?

Truly the 10 Commandments were unlike any ancient laws ever written. They ensured safety and equality for all. They were, in fact, the most socially equalizing law in ancient history. The king was just as accountable as the poorest person. Many of our modern governments, including the American Constitution, were set up based on the ideas held in the 10 Commandments. Why were these laws so different? Because God made them. They were not man-made laws.

Moses reminds the people of God’s law because this is the thing that will set them apart from all the other nations. God gave them the Law. They heard His voice. He rescued them. He helped them overcome. He was giving them valuable land. He promised to be with them. God deserved their obedience. He is God in heaven above and the earth below; there is no other!

Oh, but we are easily distracted creatures. It doesn’t take us long to seek other things. For me, I am distracted in two ways: spending time with God and following Him. My to-do list and people keep me from spending time with Him. This was especially true when I had little kids, but it is still something I struggle with now. I try to set aside time each day for Bible study, but dishes in the sink, a full basket laundry, and even my husband home from work can redirect my attention away from the Lord and my intended plans.

My own selfish desires keep me from following Him. When my heart begins to focus on something that isn’t of God, I begin to rationalize it. “Well just this once,” I think, or “It isn’t really that bad,” or “God doesn’t specifically say not to do this.” Have you ever heard that song from the band Creed, “One Last Breath?” There is a line that says, “Hold me now. I’m six feet from the edge and I’m thinking, maybe six feet ain’t so far down.” What’s six feet down? A grave! The speaker is in the death grip of sin and rationalizing it. Six feet ain’t so far down. Have you ever been there?

Read James 1: 12-15.

Does God tempt?

Where does temptation come from?

What natural image does James use here to paint a picture of the way sin grows?


Sin is personified as being born. Verse 15 might use the words “conceived” and “gives birth” to describe the process of sin. The image implies time. There is a waiting period between conception and birth. The thing conceived needs time to grow. This is where we rationalize, in this gestation period. Your desire entices you to sin. You think about it for a while, rationalize it. Then you do the thing. That gestation period is the place where you stop the sin. Don’t allow your own thoughts to lead you astray. Counter them with God’s word, with prayer. Don’t let them grow so big that you can’t win.

When the two-way distraction of not spending daily time with the Lord and allowing my desires to rule work in tandem, it is a recipe for disaster. Why? Because my time with the Lord is how I counter those negative thoughts. If I’m not doing anything to counter them, then I am surely going to fall. You will too. This is where most people goof up. They think they can do it alone. They think they can stay focused on Christ without staying in His presence. They think they can walk up to their overwhelming desire, and choose to walk away on their own.

In what ways have you rationalized a particular sin?

Did it come at a time when you were not spending daily time in His word and in prayer?

Can you think of some ways to fight sin during that gestation period? List them.

Read Deuteronomy 4:25-31 again.

Don’t you find it interesting that Moses predicts the Israelites will fall away from God? There was no if. . . then statement given. It was “When you act corruptly . . . and make an idol.” When not if. We will fall as well, but the promise of verse 29 reveals God’s character: when you fall, you will find God IF you search for Him. Our God is there for us. He promises forgiveness and compassion, but it is up to us to seek Him.

Pray. Ask for forgiveness. Repent.

Seek the LORD and you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart and soul.

Praise the Lord! He’s not that hard to find.


Lesson to remember: God can be found; He is compassionate.

A Way to Walk: Prayerfully consider how you are distracted from God and how you rationalize sinful desires. Ask God for help and develop a strategy for overcoming your sin pattern. Search for Him.

Deuteronomy: Lessons to remember as you walk to the Promised Land - Chapter 3

CHAPTER 3: Remembering God's plans prevail

Moses continues his introductions by remembering some important battles.

Please read Deuteronomy chapter 3:1-11.


Moses begins by recounting some of the battles they fought and won. He tells of how mighty the warriors were, how fortified their cities, and how “utterly destroyed” they were because God was with the Israelites.

Why do you think Moses reminds them of these stories?

Can you think of a “battle” the LORD has helped you fight in life? Explain.

Do you take the time to remember what God has done in your life? Why or why not?

What would be the benefit of remembering?

I have a friend who has a prayer journal. Each day she writes down people and situations she has prayed for and what they needed. When the prayer is answered, she goes back and crosses it off with a little note of how it was answered. It has been very rewarding for her to physically see how many prayers God has answered in her life.

I have another friend who has a jar of rocks. Each rock has something written on it, something that reminds her of the things God has done in her life. It is a memorial of God’s work. When she needs to be reminded, she dumps out the rocks and reads through them. It builds her up, strengthens her. This physical reminder gives courage and reassurance when she needs it.

Wouldn’t it be a good thing to stop and remember what God has done in our lives? The river of life buries our memories on the bottom as the current of daily activities rushes over. Taking the time to pick up those moments, bring them into the light, and roll them around in our minds would be so fortifying. Maybe He has helped you defeat big giants like King Og, with his 13 ½ X 6 foot coffin. Remembering that would make the little thing in front of you seem like nothing.

What can you do to remember the battles God has fought and won for you?

Read Deuteronomy 3:12-22.

This section is a summary of what happened in Numbers 32. Before they even entered the Promised Land, the tribes of Reuben and Gad saw the lush lands good for livestock west of the Jordan and petitioned God for the lands there instead in the Promised Land. They had lots of livestock and thought this land looked great. God agreed to this petition, but made them promise to go and fight first, then they could return to this land.

Don’t you find it strange that they hadn’t even seen what was in the Promised Land, the land flowing with milk and honey, the good land the LORD was giving them, and they were okay to settle outside the land? It reminds me of what C.S. Lewis says: “We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at sea. We are far too easily pleased.”

Isn’t that the truth? We are far too easily pleased! God has good things for us but we are impatient and settle for the first thing we see that looks like something we might want. We settle outside His promises for us.

Have you ever settled for less than you know God has for you? Explain.

If you are in a situation right now where you might be tempted to settle for less, pray and ask God for guidance and understanding of what He has for you.

Read Deuteronomy 3: 23-29.

The contrast here is interesting. The tribes of Reuben and Gad stayed outside the Promised Land by choice, settling for less than God had for them. Moses stayed outside because of submission to God’s will. He followed the LORD’s will for him. Moses obviously wanted to go into the Promised Land. He pleaded with the LORD, but God said no. He did allow Moses to go up on the mountain and look into the land, but made it clear that Joshua would lead them the rest of the way.

Can you imagine being in Moses’ shoes? Oh, the longing he must have felt. But, He did not try to disobey. He accepted it. He was a humble man. Humility before God is being able to accept and follow His word, submission, if you will. Sometimes submission comes in the form of doing something you don’t want to do. Sometimes it is not doing something you do want to do. Either way, submission to God’s will is often difficult, but always a blessing in the end.

Why do you think Moses submitted to the LORD’s plan?

Years ago, I had a situation in my life that had me on my knees, crying in prayer. It was by far the most difficult thing I’ve ever had to walk through. Day after day I went to the Lord in prayer begging for relief. One day, I just decided I would stay put until I got an answer to my pleas. I don’t know how long I sat in prayer, going through my Bible, reading out verses to the Lord, things He had promised to do in His word, but at some point, I knew He heard me. There was a sense of peace, a sense of He was going to work it out, a sense of get up and go because it is done. I walked away with that peace that passes understanding.

Let me just say, it got worse before it got better, and it is still not resolved. But, I have peace about it. I know the Lord is working on it. I may not ever see the finished product this side of heaven, but it is coming. Why did Moses obey the LORD’s command to not go? Because he and the LORD had worked it out. He had that peace that passes understanding. Even though Moses longed and pleaded for it, He knew that God was in control, and Moses was good with that.


Is there an area of your life in which you need to submit to the LORD’s plan?

Find time to pray and work it out with the LORD. He will give you the peace that allows you to be in one accord with Him.


CHARACTER OF GOD: God’s plans prevail

CHALLENGE: Identify areas of your life where you need to submit to the LORD’s will. Work this out with the Lord by prayer and through His word.

Deuteronomy: Chapter 2

CHAPTER 2:


The Israelites had waited in the desert for almost 40 years at this point. They waited partly because they had sinned against the LORD in not wanting to go into the Promised Land and partly because they needed to learn to rely on the LORD. Sometimes God holds up the plans because we aren't ready yet. Sometimes we need to wait and learn.

Have you ever had a waiting time? If so, when?

What things did you learn during your wait?

How have you grown because of your waiting time?

During their 40th year in the desert, God is on the move and the Israelites are ready to go. Their waiting time is over. Moses continues to recount their journey through the wilderness with tales of their travels and their victories. He needs them to remember the lessons they've learned.

Please read Deuteronomy chapter 2.


Why does God not allow the Israelites to take land from the descendants of Lot and Esau?

What does this imply about God’s character?

How does Moses encourage the people?


God has a plan . . . and He works it out in His own time. He also does not go back on His word. He had promised those lands to Esau and Lot and He made sure they kept them. He wanted the Israelites to have the land of King Sihon and King Og, so he hardened their hearts, provoking a battle, which they lost, and He gave their land to His people. Did you notice that God didn’t just hand the land over to them? They had to fight for it. They had to work for it. They were allowed to participate in God’s work. It always means more when you have to work for something. It’s personal then.

I don’t always move when the Lord is ready. I think I am sometimes like a sleepy child who doesn’t want to get out of bed. I know I’ve missed opportunities because I wouldn’t obey. I’m like the Israelites. I lack conviction sometimes. But why? What makes me stuck in my rut?

One reason is that I second guess: “Did God really say . . . ?” or “Am I just thinking this up for something to do?” Doubt creeps into my thoughts, clouding my vision and clogging my ears. Doubt keeps me still.

Another reason I stand still is because I’m trained for the “No. Be safe.” Just do what you have to do to insure your safe and easy future. That is how my daddy trained me. That is the state of my family. We are rooted. Doing something new and uncomfortable is a fearful thing. Whether it is doubt or fear of safety, both of these distractions are from the enemy. They are meant to slow us down, keep us from moving forward toward our own promised land in Christ. We must see it for what it is, and move forward with the Lord in faith.

What things stop you from moving forward in the Lord?

How can you overcome these road blocks?

Read Genesis 12:1-4.

I am always taken aback that when Abraham was commanded to go to a land God would show him, he got up from his usual routine and left, not really knowing exactly where he was headed. My "be safe" self would have gone into convulsions at this thought. But Moses just went and worked it out as he was going along. He knew God had a plan and Abraham trusted God. Oh, to be that faithful! No wonder Moses is mentioned in the Hebrews 11 roll-call of the faithful.

The story of Joseph, Jacob’s favorite son, is similar. When Joseph was betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, and transported to Egypt, he just did the next thing in front of him that would honor the LORD. Sometimes he had no control over his circumstances. Sometimes they were really bleak. But it was all part of God’s plan, and as far as I can tell, it was through no fault of his own that he was sometimes in really bad places. It was all God’s plan even though Joseph did not know the plan. Through it all, his eyes were on the LORD. When his brothers begged for mercy, Joseph revealed the heart of his actions: “Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive” (Genesis 50: 19-20). Joseph had faith in God’s good plan and it glorified the LORD.

Sometimes I feel so overwhelmed by it all. I feel I’m not enough. I compare myself to people around me, which leaves me feeling insufficient and unable, instead of just looking at the LORD. Maybe I just need to do the next thing in front of me – safe or not, fearing or not – just do what’s next. We grow His fruit one decision at a time, right? So just do the next good thing for His glory. I am sure God is adding to that Hebrews 11 list of the faithful, and one day we will get to hear the whole list. Wouldn't it be glorifying to the LORD for our names to be on His list too?

What is the next thing you need to do?

How can you honor God daily through your usual routine?

Pray and ask Him to help you. He will.


CHARACTER OF GOD: God’s plans prevail

CHALLENGE: Identify your next step in following Christ. Brainstorm some ways you can follow through with this.

Deuteronomy Bible Study: Introduction and Chapter 1

Deuteronomy: Lessons to remember as you walk to the Promised Land

INTRODUCTION:

When I first started this study of Deuteronomy just a few short weeks ago, the corona virus was far away in China and my world was very normal. I had been working my way through the Pentateuch, and had finally arrived at the last book. You would think that a book written so long ago, and written for the nation of Israel would have little application to us in our modern world, but you would be wrong. You see, it is really a book about God’s character, who He is, how He loves, what He expects, and who we can be in light of Him. The people have changed and the specific details have changed, but the underlying realities have not. God is still God. We are still His children. He is still leading us to a Promised Land. There are still things for us to remember along the way. Won’t you join me on this journey through a book that has more to tell us than we thought? Won’t you join me in remembering the things we’ve forgotten?


BACKGROUND:

The book of Deuteronomy is the last book in the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible. These are a set of history books, if you will, mostly written by Moses, and probably finished by Joshua after Moses’ death. The Pentateuch recounts the history of Israel from the beginning of time until their end of the 40 years in the desert.

Deuteronomy begins on the first day of the eleventh month of the 40th year in the desert. It is the speech Moses gave to the Israelites before they crossed the Jordan and walked into the Promised Land. They had learned some things in the desert and Moses wanted to remind them of all the lessons. His focus was on the people of Israel and how they should walk, but in remembering all the things that happened, Moses reveals the true character of God. It is a character that hasn’t changed. God is still who He says He is.

Throughout the book, you will notice some repeated word patterns: remember, fear, observe, teach, be blessed. You might want to mark these ideas in your Bible when you see them. With that in mind, let’s lace up our hiking shoes and start walking.

CHAPTER 1:

Let’s set the stage. The Israelites have just fought the kings from Numbers 21. They are the new owners of the land they just won. Jubilant in their victory, they are perched on the edge of the Jordan River. They have assembled together to listen to Moses’ farewell speech, for he will not be going into the Promised Land with them. Imagine: Everyone gathered in a great crowd. The tents are in the background ready to be packed up. Sheep bleating in the distance. Kids crying. Wind whistling through the sand. Moses standing at the head of it all, arms up, voice loud and filled with nostalgia and warnings and hope. That’s where we’ll start.


Please read Deuteronomy chapter 1.



Why did Moses remind them of this misadventure?


What excuses did the Israelites give for not going into the Promised Land?

How does this show a lack of faith?


Did you notice the Israelite’s response when God told them they couldn’t go into the Promised Land? They mourned and said, “We have sinned against the LORD; we will indeed go up and fight, just as the LORD our God commanded us” (v. 41). It was only when they’d lost the opportunity that they wanted to go, which indicates they didn’t really want to follow the LORD, they just wanted what He had to offer.


This is a common position of the heart. It is the Prosperity Gospel of the Old Testament, a trap easily sprung. We all want salvation, forgiveness, good things on earth, peace, protection, an ally when things are tough, and on and on. But wanting only these things and not our Lord and Savior reveals our self-centered focus. It is much more difficult to put those things aside and just focus on the LORD. Our emotions get in the way.

One emotion that pops up over and over again and keeps the Israelites from following the LORD is FEAR. They want all these good things, but not enough to die for them, not enough to risk it all. FEAR keeps them down. FEAR is more important than the LORD’s command.

I am guilty of this very thing. My regular routine is comfortable. Doing something new is scary. FEAR keeps me in my regular routine, even when the LORD points me in a new direction outside of my comfort zone. FEAR keeps me from sharing my writing, even when the LORD encourages me and makes it clear that is His will for me. FEAR kept me from finding a church home for a long time, even though I know that being connected to a body of believers is not optional. FEAR barks at me to stay in my place.


So the question is: If God has told me to do something, even placed it on my heart, then why do I let FEAR keep me from it?
The answer: Because like the Israelites, I am my own god. But I know I am called to do more, to be more. I know the LORD is beckoning me out of my comfort zone into some place He has for me. I don't exactly know where that is yet, but I do know that it will glorify my Lord for me to follow Him there. It will glorify the LORD for you to follow Him as well.


What emotion holds you back?

What do you feel the Lord has called you to do that you haven’t moved on yet?

Repent and ask the LORD to help you. He will.


CHARACTER OF GOD: He is Faithful to His Word.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Identify the thing that is holding you back from following the LORD. Pray and repent for not following His lead. Ask for His help to grow your trust in Him. God is faithful. He will do it.