Deuteronomy 29:2-31:29
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Deuteronomy chapter 29 verse 29 is intriguing today - "There are secret things that belong to the LORD our God, but the revealed things belong to us and our descendants forever, so that we may obey these words of the law." I think this is good for us to remember - there are secrets of God that we will not know this side of heaven. And I don't think we need to worry or speculate on what these secret things might be, because "the revealed things belong to us." God has revealed himself to us in the Bible! His very Word. He has revealed himself in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And he reveals himself in the life of the body of Christ today - the church. We have everything we need to know to love & follow God. And I think God's secrets can remain secret to us this side of heaven - I don't know about you, but I like a little mystery in God! :)
"Be strong and courageous!" is the encouragement & exhortation we hear 3 times in chapter 31 today. It was said by Moses to the Israelites in verse 6, then by Moses to Joshua in verse 7, and finally by God to Joshua in verse 23. Why do you think this was said 3 times? Why would the Israelites and Joshua need to be reminded to be strong and courageous? And if these words were needed back then, do you think perhaps we might need to hear them still today? Do we need to be reminded oftentimes to be strong and courageous? Today, this side of the Cross, where does our strength and courage truly come from? Below is Joshua being commissioned by Moses in a Fresco in the Sistine Chapel by Luigi Signorelli, circa 1481:
Today in Deuteronomy chapter 31 verses 10-12 we read – “Then Moses commanded them: "At the end of every seven years, in the year for canceling debts, during the Feast of Tabernacles, when all Israel comes to appear before the LORD your God at the place he will choose, you shall read this law before them in their hearing. Assemble the people - men, women and children, and the aliens living in your towns-so they can listen and learn to fear the LORD your God and follow carefully all the words of this law.” Incredible verses! I like that Moses was setting up a way for God’s Word to continue to be taught & heard by God’s People every 7 years! I think this gets at a couple of things – 1. We humans are very forgetful. We may hear something once, but we need to hear it over and over again – particularly if it is God’s Word. 2. There is always a new generation of people coming up behind us. It is so important to educate this new generation about God’s Word. So – how do these verses above speak to you today? Are you hearing or reading God’s Word on a consistent basis? I know the answer is yes, for this year, as you’re in the Chronological Bible! And I know that many of you have been reading the Bible for many years now. However, I know not everyone will read the Bible every year. Here’s a suggestion – what about committing to reading the entire Bible – in the One Year Bible or Chronological or other format – once every 7 years? Thus, if you live to be 101, you’ll have read the Bible through atleast 10 times (not counting those early years :). Just a thought to keep in the back of your mind – please consider reading the entire Bible at least once every 7 years. Though, I would encourage you to at least read some portion of the Word each and every day, in each and every year. Next question – are you somehow involved in teaching others the Word? Are you encouraging your friends or family members to read God’s Word? Maybe consider inviting your family & friends to participate in reading the Bible next year? Are you somehow involved in teaching the younger generation coming up behind you to learn God’s Word? Maybe through your church you can get involved in Sunday school ministries or maybe there is a younger person in your community that you can mentor and disciple?
An image for chapter 31 verses 14 & 15 is below: "Then the LORD said to Moses, "The time has come for you to die. Call Joshua and take him with you to the Tabernacle, and I will commission him there." So Moses and Joshua went and presented themselves at the Tabernacle. And the LORD appeared to them in a pillar of cloud at the entrance to the sacred tent."
Worship God: Today's readings in Deuteronomy reminded me of The Museum's song "My Help Comes from the Lord:"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJ1CCaouSF0
Where does your help come from? Click here for help that comes from the Lord!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray for strength. Pray for courage. Pray that you will never be afraid or terrified, because you know that the LORD your God is with you.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless,
Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Chronological Bible readings at this link.
p.s. #2 - Download a schedule of our Chronological Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
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