I had to laugh when I read the first sentence of my NIV Study Bible's introduction to Deuteronomy. The word Deuteronomy means "repetition of the law". You guys ready for some more law??? We know repetition of a good thing (a new habit, positive words, thoughts, actions) is key to it becoming ingrained in our lives. So, as we start this fifth book of the Bible together, let's press on to keep learning about our God, His commandments, and His grace.
As I think of times in my life that have been filled with great anticipation, several things come to my mind - my wedding, the birth of our son, and moving to a new home or city. There was a lot of preparation leading up to these events. I was looking forward to each one, but especially to what followed... sharing life with my sweet husband, the joy of my son, and the experiences of exploring a new town and making new friends. These are all wonderful memories for me.
Can you feel the anticipation growing for the Israelites? They had been "wandering in the desert" for 40 years. They were in Moab, which is just across the Jordan River from Canaan. They could probably see the edges of the Promised Land. Moses must have had some pretty intense emotions at this time also. We know that Moses was not allowed to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. He was also 120 years old at this time and was transitioning leadership of the Israelites to Joshua. I believe this time of his life would have been bitter-sweet. Moses still had a big job to do as he prepared the Israelites to enter Canaan. He was to remind them of God's covenant, faithfulness, and blessings. But, Moses also had to say goodbye to the people he had led for the past 40+ years. To the very end of his life, Moses was faithful to lead the Israelites and to deliver God's messages to them.
Deuteronomy consists of three "sermons", which were Moses' farewell messages. Let's dive in together...
Moses begins by reviewing some of the Israelites' history starting with their camp in Horeb (believed to be near the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula). He quickly reminds them of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob of deliverance to the Promised Land. Moses also reminds the Israelites of the following:
- They had agreed to established leadership and order throughout the tribes
- God told them to take the land of the Amorites, but the Israelites instead chose to send spies
- An entire generation of Israelites, including Moses, were not allowed to enter Canaan because of their lack of obedience or trust (the exceptions were Caleb and Joshua)
- The Israelites tried to conquer the Amorites on their own, failed miserably, and received no sympathy from God
- They wandered in the desert for another 38 years
- God led them back to conquer the Amorites and they were victorious
I don't know about you guys, but I felt like I was reading the Cliff Notes version of the Israelite wanderings. Kind of fun! Moses reminded the Israelites of where they have been, times when they were disobedient and had suffered consequences, and that God was faithful to keep his promises. God commanded the Israelites twice to conquer the Amorites. The first time they were disobedient and suffered as a result. The second time, they were obedient and were victorious. I want to be one who remembers my history, God's promises, and God's grace AND one who learns from my mistakes. I am so thankful that God gives us second (and third) chances!
You took the words right out of my mouth Terry when you said it was like reading Cliff Notes about their wondering. I don't want to be reminded of how I have failed to listen to God and took 1 step forward and 3 steps back. But I am with you in that I know He loves me and guides me where He wants me to be and knows if I will cooperate I will get there eventually.
ReplyDeleteI am going to see the Promised Land.
I laughed when I saw your reference to "Cliff Notes" - how true. I felt like I had been at a "retirement" dinner for Moses reading these first chapters. He rehearsed all that he had been through with his "company" yet knew that God is faithful and would lead them on even though he was retiring.
ReplyDeleteI was also reminded of one of the beloved old hymns "On Jordan's Stormy Banks" - with the words, "and cast a wishful eye to Canaan's fair and happy land where my possessions lie." I know Moses wanted to go there, but you don't hear him complaining like I do when I "want" something and don't receive it. What a Godly and obedient man!
By the way, Mrs. Boots, I have just finished "And the Shofar Blew" - what an insight. Highly recommend it!
Moses is truly a "Godly and obedient man"!!! He did not grumble or complain when he was not allowed to go into the promised land. Wow and wow again!!!! Moses continued to do God's work and put "self" aside. I am so thankful that there is a bigger picture than the day to day routine. Moses must have seen the bigger picture of being obedient to God. Sometimes God's bigger plan is what gets me through difficult situations. God wants our heart and obedience.
ReplyDeleteTerry - ANOTHER fantastic post! LOVE the Cliff Notes thing! I love how God knows that we are "hard headed" and that we need to hear things over and over and over! One thing I wanted to interject here (and I think I said this before but I cannot remember!). Moses DID get to enter the Promised Land when he appeared with Jesus on the the mountain during Jesus' transfiguration. They were smack in the middle of the Promised Land! I think that is just SOOOO cool! Just thought I would share.
ReplyDeleteMindy, thanks for the reminder about Moses meeting with Jesus during the transfiguration. I just read the transfiguration (Luke 9:28-36). You are right... how wonderful that Moses was there WITH JESUS! Can you just imagine the conversation?!?! What a sweet time of encouragement that must have been for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah!
ReplyDeleteJust as we were saying on Sunday, I am so inspired about the experience of reading through the Bible together and putting all these pieces together :)
Ladies, you all make this so much fun! Barbara, I love the picture of the retirement dinner! It makes perfect sense. My study bible said this in the introduction to Deuteronomy and it sums it up so well:
ReplyDelete"The past is a kaleidoscope of promises, failures, victories, and embarrassments. Sometimes we want to forget memories that are too painful. However, as the years pass, remembrances of unpleasant events usually fade into our subconscious. But there is a time to remember: mistakes should not be repeated; commitments made must be fullfilled; and the memory of special events move us to action."