Bible Pathways 3/2/2001
March 2
Read Deuteronomy 3 -- 4
Moses reminded the new generation of Israelites that they could receive lasting fulfillment only by living according to God's Word. He began to declare the original message that God had given their parents 40 years earlier at Mount Sinai (Deuteronomy 1:5). To declare this Law meant more than merely "repeating" the Law; it meant to "explain its full meaning." Moses' first message highlighted the importance of keeping all the Word of God, that you may live, and go in and possess the land. . . . Keep . . . the commandments of the Lord your God. . . . Keep and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding. . . . For what nation is there . . . who has God so near to them, as the Lord our God (4:1-7).
That you may live (4:1) meant that the Israelites would live to enjoy the very best in life. The one essential requirement for remaining in the land of promise was obedience to God's Word. He warned them that when you do evil in the sight of the Lord your God, to provoke Him to anger . . . you . . . shall be utterly destroyed (4:25-26).
God has said to seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul (4:29), for fear (reverence) of the Lord is the beginning of (true) wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do His commandments (Psalms 111:10). Consequently, there is no substitute for reading and rereading all of the written Word of God, since it provides our Only Source of understanding the will and character of our Creator. Only in the Bible can we learn the true meaning and purpose of life. The Bible is the only true Guide and standard for both doctrine and conduct. The Bible has the power to convict and convert, to sanctify and edify, and to cleanse and empower the believer. It is the revealer of its Author and magnifies and glorifies Him as the God of all creation. For all these reasons, we are compelled to read through all the Word of God.
Obedience to the One True God would have made Israel a nation, powerful, successful over all of their enemies, and morally and spiritually unique among all other nations. Israel's control of Canaan would have continued, not by military might nor by human skill, but as the result of being obedient to their Creator. Moses assured them: He will be with you, He will not fail you, neither forsake you: fear not, neither be dismayed (Deuteronomy 31:8).
Just as it was then, so it is today. We too need a daily reminder to take heed to yourself . . . lest you forget the things which your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart . . . teach them to your children, and your children's children (4:9). The Apostle Paul reminded Timothy that from a child you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus (II Timothy 3:15).
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 said: Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6).
Christ Portrayed: By Joshua, who led the Israelites into their inheritance (Deuteronomy 3:28). Through Jesus we receive an inheritance of His abundance (Acts 26:18).
Word Studies: 3:18 meet for the war means qualified to fight; 3:28 charge means to fix responsibility, to commission; 4:12 no similitude means no figure, shape, or form; 4:34 assayed means endeavored, attempted; 4:37 their seed means their descendants.
Government Officials: Rep. Rosa DeLauro (CT) and Sen. Russell Feingold (WI) · BPM Staff: Letha Hash ·Pray for Stephen Wike, Media Management/Crosswalk.com, Inc. · Country: Zimbabwe (11 million) in south-central Africa · Major languages: English and Shona · Limited religious freedom · 43% Protestant; 38% animism, mediums, and spirit-possession cults; 16% Roman Catholic · Prayer Suggestion: Remember that God delights in your joy (Psalms 43:4).
Optional Reading: Luke 17
Memory Verse for the Week: Colossians 1:18
