Text: Deuteronomy 11:10-25
Opening Statement:
As we stand at the brink of a new year our hearts are filled with anticipation and challenge. Only God knows what the future holds but the possibilities are limitless. As we cross over into this new year, we do so with the same challenges Moses gave his people so long ago. As we journey into a new year we’re reminded:
I) To Remember God’s Provision (Deut. 11:11)
What is Moses saying to Israel here? Better yet, what is God saying to us through their experience? He will meet our needs! He is our source.
Look closely at Deut. 11:11. Note that we take with us into a new year the promise of God’s provision. “It is a land that drinks rain from heaven.” That is, He provides for us supernaturally.
As we journey into this New Year, we’re dependent on the supernatural provision of God. God is our source, and he has a way of using us to accomplish his purpose. As we journey, we are:
II) To Remember God’s Presence (Deut. 11:12)
There were some who said to Moses that they doubted they could accomplish the task of taking the Promised Land. After all, the land was filled with giants and walled cities. But they had forgotten that they crossed over with God’s provision and God’s presence.
New Year’s brings a fresh vision of new opportunities. What a blessing to journey into a new year with the very presence of God Himself. The eyes of the Lord are upon us!
Like the children of Israel, He did not bring us out except to take us in. We go into a new year with God’s provision and God’s presence. We also are:
III) To Remember God’s Promise (Deut. 11:13-15)
Note that this promise is conditional. Verse 13 begins with “if” and verse 14 begins with “then.” Thus, this promise is not for everyone. It is for whom? Those who love the Lord their God and serve Him with all their heart and soul.
Moses reminded the children of Israel, and us, what is of utmost importance — loving God.
As we enter a new year we do so with God’s promise.
Finally, as we journey into a new year we are:
IV) To Remember God’s Protection (Deut. 11:16-25)
Moses is reminding us that the Lord will go before us and drive out our enemies. His protection carries with it a warning. (Deut. 11:16-17). Again, note the repetition of the importance of loving our God. (Deut. 11:22).
Moses knew the only way his people could love the Lord with all their heart was to saturate themselves with a conscious awareness of His word. As we journey into a new year we do so with God’s protection. Moses goes on to tell them that “Then the Lord will drive out all these nations from before you, and you will dispossess greater and mightier nations than yourselves. Every place on which the sole of your foot treads shall be yours: from the wilderness and Lebanon, from the river, the River Euphrates, even to the Western Sea, shall be your territory. No man shall be able to stand against you” (Deut. 11:23-25).
In Closing:
As we journey into this new year Moses stands to remind us that as we go, we too will need God’s provision. To depend on human effort is sheer folly. We will need God’s presence. There will be times when we, like the children of Israel, wonder where God is. But His eyes are upon us. We cross over with God’s promise. There may be times that this is all we have to hold onto. And we go with His protection.
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