TODAY’S READING: DEUTERONOMY 9-12
OVERVIEW:
God’s promises to the fathers; God’s grace to the undeserving; Second tables of commandments; Love and obedience; Blessing and curse; Ordinances
HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:
Once again, there are two main thoughts that permeate God’s message in today’s reading: REMEMBER and OBEY. The children ofIsraelare reminded that the Lord has chosen them and protected them, but not because of their size, their might, or their righteousness. Today, we are reminded that the Lord has not called and blessed us because of our might, our wisdom, or our goodness; we are WHAT we are, and are WHO we are, by GOD’S grace and mercy. Moses reminds the children ofIsraelof their rebellion three times: Exodus 32, Numbers 11 and Numbers 13. It is interesting to note that in these three instances, it is Moses’ prayer and intercession that saved the people from the wrath of the Lord. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James5:16).
Chapter 10 begins the time of transition. The second tables are in the ark and the second priest is in his place. The tribe of Levi is chosen for the Lord and the children ofIsraelare told to prepare to enter the land. The next 16 chapters will be statutes and judgments for life in the new land. Now, look closely! Verse 12 is going to sum up all that is required in the next 16 chapters. “And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul.” This is the second recording of the greatest commandment. The Lord makes certain that His people understand that He wants obedience and service to come from love!
Love continues as the theme into the next chapter. Love the Lord thy God because He loves you. He showed His love with His deliverance and protection. You show your love by keeping His commandments. The new land is not likeEgypt. All ofEgyptis watered by theNilethrough trenches into the fields. The new land will be watered by rain from Heaven. The children ofIsraelwill be dependent on the blessing of God through rain. The Lord plainly relates the people’s worship to the rain. If they will hear and do, love Him and serve Him, He will send rain. Again they are reminded: “Be sure and teach your children!” You will choose either a blessing or a curse.
Chapter 12 begins the statutes and judgments to observe in the new land. Nearly every statute in this chapter is repeated twice. Nearly every statute in this chapter is repeated twice. However, it is repeated five times that the Lord will choose the place for His name and offerings. Three times the children ofIsraelare reminded to rejoice! First and last, destroy the old gods and the idols. Don’t even try to learn about them; just get rid of them! Moses reminds them of the offerings detailed in Leviticus, and again warns of the significance of the blood. The chapter closes with a solemn warning. Don’t add to or diminish from the commandments!
CHRIST IS REVEALED:
As THE BURNT OFFERING – Deut.12:16(Ephesians 5:2, Hebrews10:10, 12)