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March 11th
The Bible reading for today is in Deuteronomy chapters 1,2.
The new generation of believing Israelites are camped on the eastern side of the Jordan River...They can look across the river and see the promised land. They were so close, that they could pick up a rock and throw it across the river into the land of milk and honey. Must have been an exciting time for all...except for Moses.
Deuteronomy is the old preacher’s last sermon to the congregation. He preaches it with passion because faith has finally been given sight for this young nation of believers. Passionate...yes...But Moses preaches it with a sad heart too. He wouldn't get to complete the task that was given to him by God in the midst of a burning bush 41 years ago.
His angry disobedience to God at Meribah, not more than six months ago, haunts him. God judged His leader...he who exalted himself above God before the people.
Moses would not get to lead the Israelites into Canaan...he, like his brother and sister, would die in the wilderness. Moses would preach this sermon to “remind” this young generation of what put them in the wilderness for so long. Moses was teaching them by rehearsing past mistakes.
As Peter told the church, “I will not be negligent...I “will always” “remind you” of the things that will establish you in the truth.”
Moses’ last sermon is one of particular note...It was quoted by writers of the New Testament over 80 times. Even the Lord Jesus quoted from it...especially in His dealings with satan in the wilderness before He began His public ministry.
On this side of the Jordan, Moses began to “explain” the law for the second time. This made Moses an expositor of God’s words. The word explain means to “dig deeply.” The new generation of Israelites were not even born when the law was first given at Sinai...or were at best very young children. Moses would help them to “mine” the riches of the law and character of God.
Moses used this sermon of remembrances to prepare this young congregation. He mentioned God’s words at Mt Sinai when he and the people had been there for a year...”
“It’s time to move on.”
God never intended for His people to remain at the mountain of the law. He wanted them to now move out in faith to possess the new land.
Paul quoted this part of the sermon in his letter to the church at Galatia. It was important for Christians to spend some time in and under the tutoring of the Law...so that we could learn of the holy character of God and our certain need for a savior.
God never intended the Christian to be under the law...trusting his obedience to the law for his salvation.
God intended us to move on from Horeb to a faith in Christ that saves the breakers of the law like me. Thank You, Jesus.
O, Friends...Hear the old preacher...” It’s time for us to move on with God”...God’s not through teaching us...God is not through using us. It’s not time to retire in our “Doing life with Christ”. It’s time to trust Him more than ever before...sure that may mean a season of rest and renewal...it may mean that we start giving to our church more than ever...stretching us to trust God to take care of our hungers and delights...for the privilege of giving to the purposes of God through His church...it’s time to move on with God...and go in the direction of His leading...no matter what!
That is Promised Land faith. That is Promised Land courage. That is Promised Land living...exciting...dusty...as we follow Christ so closely that the cloud of dust from His sandal walk on the dirt roads of Judea settles on us with pleasure...His!
Enjoy the rest of the story
Have a great day.
