Rev. Zelwyn Heide, pastor at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Hannover, ND and Zion Lutheran Church in New Salem, ND, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Deuteronomy 8:1-20.
Moses reminds Israel that the LORD sustained them in the wilderness; only by His grace did Israel not only survive, but even thrive, in a terribly difficult place to live. Though the Promised Land will be a far more fruitful environment, still Israel will only be sustained there by the LORD and His Word. The LORD disciplined His people in the wilderness in order to teach them faith in His Word in preparation for entering the Promised Land. The riches they will know in Canaan may tempt them to forget and become prideful. If Israel thinks that their own might brought them into the Promised Land, they are sure to fall into idolatry. Moses warns them ahead of time, lest they fall under the same judgment as the other nations.
“The Law of God is Good and Wise” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Deuteronomy. Though Moses’ lengthy sermons in Deuteronomy may be tempting to skip, this influential book is essential reading for Christians. As Moses strengthened Israel on the plains of Moab before the people entered the Promised Land, so the book of Deuteronomy still strengthens the Church as we prepare to enter the Resurrection with Christ, the Prophet greater than Moses.
