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

CHAPTER 11:

I just got back from the grocery store. Armed with face masks, gloves, and alcohol spray, my husband and I faced the dangerous journey into a possible war zone. It went fairly well. I found all the things I needed except paper towels. Upon exiting, my husband alcohol sprayed us and I carefully took off my gloves in proper OSHA fashion. We made it. I guess! Actually, who knows? As we unloaded the groceries onto our kitchen floor, I couldn’t help but think, “This could be a germ factory right here on the floor.” Seriously, there is no way to know, and you can’t go through life stressing over it. You can follow all the commands of the CDC, and you can heed all the warnings, but you are not promised anything. Like our recent local news, chapter 11 of Deuteronomy is full of commands and warnings, but unlike our news, it also offers promises.

Let’s remember where we left off. Back up and read 10:20-22.

What were the Israelites to remember?

Now read Deuteronomy Chapter 11:1-7. Look for the therefore statement.

Who was Moses speaking to in this passage?

What was significantly different about these people as opposed to their children?

In one generation, the Israelites who witnessed God’s great works in the exodus from Egypt would be gone. Why would it be important to remember and teach their children about these awesome events?

What should you be teaching your children or grandchildren about God?

Read Deuteronomy 11:8-12.

How is the Promised Land described in this passage?

Read Deuteronomy 11:13-17.

This passage contains an if-then statement. The “if” contains two parts and is found in verse 13. What two things must they do?

Is this a new command or a reminder of one already given?


Why is it stated again, do you think?

What does the LORD promise to them if they love and serve Him?

What is the warning?

Read verses 18-21.

What things will they need to do to remember the LORD?

What is the promise given in verse 22?

Read verses 22-25.

What is the if-then statement given here?

Read verses 26-32.

The Israelites have two choices. What are they?

I don’t think the LORD could have made it any clearer. The Israelites had two choices: blessing or curse. He even made them physically place the blessing on Mount Gerizim and the curse on Mount Ebal. Nothing like a physical picture of something that isn’t tangible to make you understand. He wanted them to know He was serious and this was real. Blessing. Curse. Your choice.

Obviously, God wanted to bless them. He described it and gave specific directions. It’s the same thing He has been telling them throughout Deuteronomy: love, remember, fear, observe, teach, be blessed. That’s all He’s asking. It seems so simple, and yet . . . The Israelites had lived with the presence of God visibly in front of them. The pillar of cloud had been among their camp for forty years. They had seen what God could do, and yet . . . they had a hard time obeying. How much harder would it be for them in a land full of distractions, where they wouldn’t need to depend on the Lord, and when that generation who saw the miracles was gone?

Do you remember the disciple Thomas that walked with Jesus? He was the skeptical one, doubting that Jesus had risen from the grave. He boasted that he would not believe unless he could put his finger in the place of the nails and his hand in his side (John 20:25). When Jesus appeared to the disciples again and Thomas was present, Jesus offered his wounds for inspection. Thomas believed and declared, “My LORD, my God!” Jesus responded, “Because you have seen Me, you have believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed” (John 20:28-29).

We have not had the privilege of the Israelites in living with the pillar of cloud in which the LORD Almighty dwells. We have not had the honor of walking with Jesus or inspecting his wounds like Thomas and the other disciples. And yet . . .there is evidence of our Lord all around – in creation, in the works of the Holy Spirit, in answered prayers. I think it is most fitting to consider John’s final words in chapter 20. I am sure it is the whole point in him writing this book: “Therefore, many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written, so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name” (John 20: 30-31).

Friend, these are turbulent times. Even if we follow all the commands of health officials, even if we heed every warning posted on the media, there are no guarantees. However, the promises of God are guaranteed. As promised, when we come to the end of our walk, we either have a blessing awaiting us or a curse. The choice is ours. But we must make that choice now. We cannot be like Thomas and boast that we won’t believe until we see it with our own eyes. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believed! Will you place your faith in him as your able redeemer? Will you confess your sins and accept His gift of salvation? Will you follow Christ?

Lesson to Remember: God is faithful to His promises
A Way to Walk: Choose daily to walk by faith, following the Lord, for you know your blessing awaits!