Deuteronomy – Page 9

Deuteronomy 12:1-32 – There is Only One God

Worship is clearly a priority. To be in a right relationship with God is much more than merely obeying. Moses is making sure the people know the importance of worshiping God. They are going to encounter many other gods being worshiped by the people they will overtake. So that they don’t fall into the wrong habit or let curiosity get the best of them. Moses tells them to demolish the remnants of the other gods and “completely erase the names of their gods!”

I loved the discussion on worship. As a worship leader, I am especially inspired by Moses’ words, “Rather, you must seek the Lord your God at the place of worship he himself will choose from among all the tribes—the place where his name will be honored.” So many times, we associate worship with a place, a church building. For me, worship is a way of life, a mindset of constant praise. We do need to have a place set aside, too, but God will choose it. That is an especially timely promise for me.

Deuteronomy 11:8-32 – Count Your Blessings

Read Deuteronomy 11:8-32

Moses does a great job again of recapping what’s important now as the people get ready to claim their new home. He wants them to focus on the blessings. “Look, today I am giving you the choice between a blessing and a curse! You will be blessed if you obey the commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you today.” Moses has been giving a beautiful speech over the last chapters to prepare his people for their new reality. He is speaking for God to the Israelites, but there is wisdom for us, too.

Likewise, we can get lost in our own lives, stuck in fear or worry, busy with tasks, or simply just going through the motions of life. We can let Moses’ words bring us some comfort and direction. “But be careful. Don’t let your heart be deceived so that you turn away from the Lord and serve and worship other gods.” What may be deceiving us today may look different than those challenges for the Israelites, but the message is the same.

Deuteronomy 11:1-7 – Don’t Forget the Story

Read Deuteronomy 11:1-7

If you’ve ever attended a lecture or webinar, or heard a sermon preached, you’ve heard repetition. It’s how you drive home certain points. Maybe the orator is crafty, and you don’t even know you’ve heard the message before. It is powerful to repeat a message. We often need to hear things multiple times and multiple ways before we actually understand or take action.

Today, Moses is recalling stories from their journey. He starts with the rescue in Egypt. It is important to remember what has happened to us, too, because there are life lessons all along the way that can help us navigate other situations. Moses wanted to keep the stories alive not only to encourage the people who had been there personally, but more so for those that came after that hadn’t seen for themselves. These stories point to the greatness of God.

Deuteronomy 10:12-22 -To Love and Obey

Read Deuteronomy 10:12-22

Do you think this message is just for those stubborn Israelites? When it was delivered it was, but how fitting it is for us even today. It’s a great example of one of those timeless messages the Bible is so full of. In addition to the richness of being a child of God like the Israelites, we, too, have the grace of God and the confidence our sins have been forgiven in Jesus’ name. We should have no excuse but to want to love God with our whole self and obey every word that comes from his mouth.

Just think of how we are positioned for greatness! How can we not want to show our appreciation? Yet, as the Israelites were stubborn, we tend to be selfish. We tend to want more and more, never truly satisfied. I suppose the Israelites had this weakness, too. What God wants from us is pretty simple, and it’s for our own good. Moses said, “He requires only that you fear the Lord your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul. And you must always obey the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good.”

Deuteronomy 10:1-11 – The Ark of the Covenant

Read Deuteronomy 10:1-11

I can’t help but think of the movie, “Raiders of the Lost Ark” when I read Biblical accounts about the Ark. I know that movie was only someone’s imagination, but the power of the Ark of the Covenant should never be forgotten. God’s laws were contained in the Ark.

Recall from our last reading that Moses demolished the first stone tablets out of his anger at the people’s disobedience. God was gracious enough to give him a second chance with new tablets, now securely placed in the Ark. God’s grace was also extended to the people as a result of Moses’ begging and pleading. God’s grace is all sufficient.