Deuteronomy 1 - 4 Obeying God

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  When we read about the Israelites, how they followed God, then turned away, then turned back to God we sometimes sit in judgment and think what is the matter with you people.  Are you stupid or something? THEN, we have to reflect back on our lives and so often it is a direct reflection of the Israelites and their interactions with God.  We tend to be no different, but it is easy to point out in the Word that was given to us.

  In Hebrew, Deuteronomy means "and these are the words".  Deuteronomy holds three addresses Moses spoke to the people of Israel in the land of Moab.  In his three addresses Moses reminded them of what God had done in the past and encouraged them to be faithful by keeping God's law.

  When we have the faith and walk with God we can conquer anything; but, when we try to get ahead of God and do it on our own tragedy usually occurs as it did for the Israelites.  If you read Deuteronomy 1:41-46 you will see where the people tried to go ahead of God, not listen to God, and were defeated.  God did not hear their cries. A lesson learned.

  Deuteronomy 2 we find the 36 years Israel spent in the wilderness after the people came to Kadesh-Barnea.  Moses recalled how that entire generation passed away and missed the wonderful opportunity of taking the promised land.  And why was this?  Yes, not listening to God and following as God commanded.

  In 2:14-15 there is defeat because they did not follow God. In 3:3-4 they were victorious because they followed God.  Big difference of which we need to remember.  Og was given to the people of Israel because God was with them.

   In Chapter 4 the people are told or instructed to obey God so they may receive the full blessings which God intended for them.  Moses cautioned the people about forgetting God and all that he had done for them and encouraged them to keep the Ten Commandments. (America needs to read this chapter)

   Look at Chapter 4 verses 1 and 2: 4 Now, Israel, hear the decrees and laws I am about to teach you. Follow them so that you may live and may go in and take possession of the land the Lord, the God of your ancestors, is giving you. ² Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you.

   Think about this in todays world as well. Mainly verse 2 - do not add or take away- we modify the ten commandments to suit our needs at the time; also, in America we add or take away from the constitution and how it was originally intended.  Do you really believe this is right?

   Often you will hear that the Bible is outdated, it was written by old chauvinistic men for people of old, the ancient world and that it does not apply today.  When you hear this, you will know that he/she who speaks is ignorant of the true living God and the salvation Jesus laid in place for us.   In Mark 7:1-23 you will see how things are added to the commandments of God. Click to read.

   Here are some things to meditate on: (He refers to God)

He is incomparable (Deut 4:32)

He reveals Himself to people (Deut 4:33)
The Lord is the only God (Deut 4:35,39)
He redeems His people (Deut 4:37)
He is the God of providential mercy (Deut 4:38)
He offers security for the days ahead (Deut 4:39-40)

Thank you for reading with me this morning. Have a wonderful and blessed day. If you wish to listen to Deuteronomy click here.

In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny