Day 51

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Disobedience caused the Israelites a Forty-year Tragedy

Deuteronomy Introduction

The last of the five books of Moses, Deuteronomy reviews the forty-year period of the nation's walk with God, and previews the new nation's walk with God, and previews the new relationship soon to begin in Canaan. Taking the form of series of sermons, the book addresses the new generation emerging from the wilderness march. Moses reminds them of the central importance of obedience and stresses holiness as a way of life. Everything--possessions of the land, victory over enemies, prosperity, and enjoyment of life--depends on these valuable lessons.

Scripture

February 20—Deuteronomy 1-4: Reviewing the Wanderings

Observation

Deuteronomy opens with the first of Moses' three sermons—a review of the nation's history, with particular emphasis on God's dealings with his people. Moses recalls Israel's failure to claim the land because of the people's unbelief, and the forty years of judgment that followed. He reviews Israel's history for the benefit of the new generation, which has already shown some distressing similarities to their parents. Finally, he reminds them of the primary lesson from Israel's history. Obedience brings blessing; rebellion brings ruin.

Application

Have you ever read a 500-page novel that should have been a short story, or heard a speaker stretch a five-minute talk into forty-five minutes? If so, then you know how irritating it can be to drag out a task longer than necessary.

God's plan for Israel's conquest of Canaan was straightforward: a short march from Kadesh-barnea, a series of faith-inspired battles, and total victory. But Israel took God's simple plan and, through disobedience, turned an eleven-day trip (1:2) into a forty-year tragedy. Someone said it well that the Israelites were slow travelers because they were slow learners. It took them forty years to learn a lesson they should have mastered in less then two weeks.

Has God been trying to teach you a lesson in recent days that you've been resisting? Or do you have a task you need to do, but you've been putting it off, dragging it out because of a lack of faith or motivation? On your phone in Notes, write one thing you know God wants you to do today, and review it throughout the day as a reminder of your commitment to the task. When God says "March!" take a step!

Prayer

God, help us to do more for you with what we already know so that we can master it until we are given more and bigger tasks to do all for your glory. Taking that step in your direction is better than wandering around taking no steps. Thank you in Jesus name amen!

Holiness is the Way of Life




© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2019

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