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Bible Pathways 03/11/2002


March 11

Read Deuteronomy 29 -- 31

In Today's Reading:

As Moses delivers his final words to the people, he reviews the past disobedience of their parents that resulted in their dismal failure and deaths. Israel's future well-being is to be dependent upon their obedience to God's Word. Moses boldly declares: I set before you life and death, blessings and cursings: therefore choose life (Deuteronomy 30:19).

Verse for Today:

The Lord said to Moses, Behold, your days approach that you must die: call Joshua, and present yourselves in the Tabernacle of the congregation, that I may give him a charge. And Moses and Joshua went, and presented themselves in the Tabernacle of the congregation (Deuteronomy 31:14).

Highlights:

A new covenant made with the new generation; blessings for obedience to the Lord's covenant; warnings against disobedience; conditions for life or death; Joshua commissioned as Moses' successor; the Law to be placed in the Ark of the Covenant; Moses' last counsel and his warnings concerning Israel's future corruption and prophecy of their ultimate salvation.

Joshua had been a faithful servant to Moses and to God, Who chose him to take Moses' place of leadership (Exodus 24:13; Numbers 27:18-23). Furthermore, in the earlier period of his life, he was Moses' most trusted and valiant soldier. Joshua and Caleb are particularly remembered as the two spies who expressed their faith in the power of God to conquer Canaan when the unbelieving majority was ready to stone them (Numbers 14:6-10).

The Israelites who were delivered from Egyptian slavery continually found fault with God as well as with Moses. In contrast, Joshua's remarkable faithfulness to God was not marred by a single act of unbelief, criticism of Moses, or faultfinding with the situations Israel faced (32:12). It is no surprise that the Lord told Moses, Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and confer your blessing upon him (see 27:18).

In an effort to receive personal gain or recognition, some Christians have compromised their convictions and proven to be disloyal to the Lord. Loyalty like Joshua's is a distinguishing characteristic of people who are faithful to God.

May we all one day hear Jesus say to us what was said to the faithful servant in the parable of the talents: Well done, you good and faithful servant: you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things: enter into the joy of your Lord (Matthew 25:21).

A Thought from Proverbs: He that trusts in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall flourish as a branch (11:28).

Christ Revealed:

As the Life we are to choose. Jesus declared: I am the Resurrection, and the Life: he that believes in Me, though he were dead yet shall be live (John 11:25).

Word Studies:

29:7 smote = defeated; 29:19 bless himself = congratulate himself; 30:4 unto the outmost parts of Heaven = to the most distant lands under Heaven.

Prayer Needs:

Government Officials: Gov. Roy Barnes (GA), Rep. Brad Carson (OK), Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. (IL), and Justice Antonin Scalia · Pray for one another · Country: Uganda (23 million) in eastern Africa · Major languages: English and Luganda · Religious freedom · 51% Roman Catholic; 30% Protestant; 10% animist; 7% Muslim · Prayer Suggestion: What a comfort to know that we depend upon His strength (Psalms 71:16).

Optional Reading: John 2

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:14



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