Today’s Tasting: Deuteronomy 3-4: Deuteronomy is the record of renewal of the old covenant given to Israel at Mount Sinai. Moses accomplishes this primarily through three sermons. Chapters 3-4 are the latter part of Moses’ first sermon and they describe:
- The conquest of Og—Og, the king of Bashan, came out against the Israelites to battle at Edrei. The Lord told Moses not to fear Og for He had delivered him and all his people and his land into Moses’ hand, and so the Israelites attacked the king and all his people until he had no survivors remaining. They took all the cities as well as the livestock and spoil of every city.
- The division of the land—Moses divided the land east of the Jordan that they possessed at that time among the Reubenites and the Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh.
- The transition of leadership—Moses pleaded with the Lord to allow him to enter the land, but God told him to commission Joshua to replace him as leader.
- The Covenant is repeated: Moses told the children of Israel to listen and observe the statutes, judgments, and commands that he had taught them, so that they may live and go in and possess the land that God was giving to them, and so that the surrounding nations would see their wisdom.
Moses reminded them of all the Lord had done for them so that they might know that the Lord Himself is God, and there is none other besides Him, that He brought them out of Egypt with His Presence and His mighty power, and that He is a merciful God who would not forsake them nor destroy them, nor would He forget the covenant that He swore to them.
Today’s Nourishment: Just as Moses told the Israelites to listen and observe what they had been taught concerning the laws of God, isn’t it just the same for us today? As we walk in obedience to Him, He promises not to forsake us. He guides us, He protects us, He covers us and goes before us. Far from being restrictive or a burden, God’s law is a sign of His love, and a means of blessing to those who live by it. The Israelites experienced the deliverance and provision of God during times of obedience. We too experience the blessings of obedience through right relationship with God. Do you desire to live in the “promised land” but just can’t seem to get out of Egypt? I encourage you (as Moses did the Israelites) to seek the Lord your God with your whole heart. He will open your eyes and your heart and He will deliver you just like He did them, for He is a God of Covenant and a God of Promise.
Thank You Father that you are God in heaven above, and on the earth beneath, and there is no other!
Tammy Bradley
I want to walk in obedience with the Lord do they my eyes are opened to what he wants and needs me to see. I want to seek him with my whole heart. He’s an awesome God!
I thank the Lord that He will never, ever forsake us. Lord, I seek you with my whole heart! Great post, Tammy!
Amen! God is good and we are stubborn. But, He is also faithful and He is Love. When I yield my stubbornness He always makes a way. I’m so glad that I am His.