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Bible Pathways - March 1, 2007

 

03012007

Deuteronomy 1 

In Today's Scripture Reading:

Moses' review of Israel's past 40 years; command to leave Mount Sinai; refusal to enter the promised land; 38 years of wanderings

In his first message to the new generation (Deuteronomy 1:1 — 4:43), Moses reminded them that there are eleven days' journey (about 165 miles) from Horeb (Mount Sinai) by the way of Mount Seir unto Kadesh-barnea (east of the Dead Sea) (1:2). This message was given in the land of Moab . . . in the fortieth year after leaving Egypt (1:5,3). Despite their miraculous deliverance from Egypt, food and water, and the cloud by day and fire by night to guide them, the older generation complained and found fault with everything. They failed to enter the promised land by not believing that God would give them victory over the Canaanites.

The adult Israelites who had left Egypt did not realize that their hardships were designed to test their faith and prepare them to defeat the Canaanites (8:2). As a consequence of their sin of unbelief, that first generation failed to accomplish the will of God and wasted their lives wandering in the wilderness until they all had died except for Caleb and Joshua.

We too can be like the Israelites who found excuses for their failure or we can choose to be like Caleb and Joshua whose faith led them to be faithful servants.

Like the majority of Israelites, some today, although they call themselves Christians, have made no spiritual progress since they first believed. They refuse to be involved in the Church even though Christ loved the Church and gave Himself for it. They disregard their Lord's communion table even though their Savior said: This cup is the new testament in My blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me (I Corinthians 11:25). They even use the Lord's tithe on themselves with no thought about their God-given physical abilities (talents) being dedicated to His kingdom and His righteousness. The Lord illustrated this in His parable of one who buried his talent and on the day of judgment heard his fearful fate: Thou wicked and slothful servant. . . . cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 25:26,30). In striking contrast is the servant who gained two talents to whom his lord said: Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord (25:23 — for the next one hundred million years and beyond). Christians can rejoice that by faith in the Word of God they overcome the giants in their lives of the lust of the flesh . . . lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (I John 2:15-17). It is our privilege as Christians to be doers of the Word, and not hearers only (James 1:22). Just as God had a plan for Israel, so He has a plan for everyone.

Regardless of adverse circumstances, loving submission to the Lord develops our faith in His ability to guide, protect, and provide for our every need. We should live . . . to (do) the will of God. For the time past of our life (lives) may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles (unbelievers), when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries (I Peter 4:2-3).

Word Studies:

1:2 mount Seir =b> mountain rainge in Edom that inclueds Mount Sinai; 1:12 bear your cumbrance =b> endure your complaints; 2:9 Distress not =b> Do not create a problem; 2:14 were wasted out =b> had died; host =b> men of war of that generation.

Christ Portrayed:

By Moses, who spake unto the children of Israel, according unto all that the LORD had given him in commandment unto them (Deuteronomy 1:3). Jesus faithfully told others everything God told Him to say. I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father hath taught Me, I speak these things (John 8:28).

Prayer Needs:

Pray for our Military worldwide The Arabic International Shortwave Radio Broadcasts for the month of March sponsored by Mary Hoffmeyer The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Hattie Rider Staff: Dr. John A. Hash Country: Guyana (705,000) on the northeastern coast of South America Major languages: English and Amerindian dialects The government is becoming increasingly Marxist, radical, and atheistic 36% Hindu; 28% Protestant; 10% Roman Catholic; 9% Muslim Prayer Suggestion: Call unto the Lord and He will give you strength to overcome (Jeremiah 33:3).

NOTE: We list the President, Vice President, Supreme Court Justices, Cabinet Members, Senators, Representatives, and Governors on their birthdays. Because we publish in advance our list may not reflect the results of the most recent elections and/or appointments.

Optional Reading: Luke 16

NOTE: Bible Pathway covers the Old Testament with devotional and commentary insights over a nine-month period, January through September. Each day during these months, an optional reading of one chapter a day from the New Testament will also be listed. The October, November, and December issues will provide a daily commentary on the New Testament readings. Thus, the reader goes through the New Testament twice each year using the Bible Pathway plan.

Memory Verse for the Week: II Timothy 3:17



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