In Today's Scripture Reading:
Division of land east of the Jordan; Moses' prayer; cities of refuge established east of the Jordan
Moses reminded the new generation of Israelites that living according to God's Word would bring lasting fulfillment. He began to explain the Law that God had given their parents 40 years earlier at Mount Sinai (Deuteronomy 1:3-5). To declare this Law meant more than merely "repeating" the Law; it meant explaining its meaning. Moses' first message highlighted the importance of keeping all the Word of God: That ye may live, and go in and possess (inherit) the land. . . . keep (obey) the Commandments of the Lord your God. . . . and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding. . . . For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh (near) unto them? (4:1-7).
That ye may live (4:1) meant that the Israelites would enjoy the best in life. The one essential requirement for remaining in the land of promise was obedience to God's Word. Moses warned them: When thou shalt . . . do evil in the sight of the Lord thy God . . . ye shall soon utterly perish (4:25-26). God desires that you seek Him with all thy heart and with all thy soul (4:29) which is for thy good (10:13).
Obedience to the One True God would have enabled Israel to be successful, as well as morally and spiritually unique among all other nations.
We too need a daily reminder to take heed to (be careful for) thyself, and keep thy soul (watch yourselves) diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart . . . teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons (4:9).
Children begin developing respect for God by first being taught to behave in a respectful way toward their parents. Unfortunately, unless children learn respect for their parents, they seldom learn to respect and obey God, who has promised: Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6).
The Bible provides our only true source for knowing the will and character of our Creator. Keep therefore His Statutes, and His Commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee (Deuteronomy 4:40).
Word Studies:
3:18 meet for the war =b> qualified to fight; 3:28 charge =b> appoint, give responsibility to; 4:12 no similitude =b> no figure, shape or form; 4:34 assayed =b> endeavored, attempted; 4:37 seed =b> descendants.
Christ Portrayed:
By Joshua, who led the Israelites into their inheritance (Deuteronomy 3:28). Through Jesus we receive His promised inheritance among them which are sanctified (set apart) by faith that is in Me (Acts 26:18).
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by J.D. Cockrell Staff: Letha Hash Government Officials [listed on their birthdays] and the states they represent: Rep. Rosa DeLauro (CT), Sen. Russell Feingold (WI), and Sen. Ken Salazar (CO) Country: Haiti (7 million) in the West Indies Major languages: French and Creole Religious freedom 75% Roman Catholic; 17% Protestant Prayer Suggestion: Pour out your heart in prayer to the Lord for your children (Lamentations 2:19).
Optional Reading: Luke 17
Memory Verse for the Week: II Timothy 3:17