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March 15th
The Bible reading for today is in Deuteronomy chapters 11,12,13.
Moses appeals to the Sr adults in the congregation of Israel for help. They were under 20 years of age when God pronounced His judgment upon their parents and grandparents. They are now the Sr adults within the congregation at age 60-65 years. And Moses wants them to remember what “God” did to deliver Israel 40+ years ago from Egyptian slavery.
And then Moses wants them to tell the younger in the congregation “God’s story” often...“when you get up in the morning, when you walk through the day, when you eat your meals and when you lie down at night.”
Moses emphasized “share what God did”...” tell God’s story”...rather than your own...God’s story of His greatness, His mighty hand, His outstretched arm to save....that is what will build faith in the younger generation for their conquest of Canaan.
God moved Moses to “command” all of Israel to love Him. The Spirit of God would prod the children of Israel and many would choose the blessing of love and obedience for their Master.
Jesus quoted the great commandment in the gospel accounts 1400 years after this text was written. “You will love the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength.”
Revelations 2:4 reminds us of what the Lord wants from His treasured ones...”Jesus judged the church at Ephesus...”I have this against you...that you have left your first love...for Me.”
“Oh, friends...may we never again hear God pronounce those words on us... “empower us, Lord, to love you greatly...first and forever...with all of our joy and all of our strength!”
Another major part of our bible reading today concerns Israel’s worship of God in the days of war ahead. “Rejoice in the Lord...” is commanded and expected. Worship Him ...He alone is worthy of it.
“Nehemiah (8:10) prophesied...”For the joy of the Lord is our strength.” So keep praising Him...keep thanking Him...keep meditating upon Him...keep loving Him in private and public adorations...“that rejoicing and worshiping Him strengthens God’s army.”
Moses preached about “places” to gather for public worship. In the wilderness wanderings of Israel, people began to worship where and when they thought was best for them. God never taught His people that worship was a “lone ranger...do as you please” worship. God taught that being “living sacrifices” unto God was our worship “together” of God.
Moses preached about God’s people worshiping too much...but not too much of God, but worshiping too much of everything else plus God.
O friends, God was using Moses to further prepare the younger generation of Israel for their mission with God. He was seeking help from the more mature brethren in the congregation.
May the young in our congregation be inspired and energized to step up and join God on mission in the world.
And may the older tell the younger often of God’s powerful activities in their midst through the years...may God raise ARCC to be His army, all the way to the promised Land...Lead us Jesus...we are following!
Have a great day
