March 2
Read Deuteronomy 3 - 4
In Today's 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 you may live, and go in and possess (live in) 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 has God so near to them? (4:1-7).
That you 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 you shall . . . do evil in the sight of the LORD your God . . . you shall soon utterly perish (4:25-26). God desires that we seek Him with all our heart and with all our soul (4:29) which is for our 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) yourself, and keep your soul (watch yourselves) diligently, lest you forget the things which your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart . . . teach them to your sons, and to your 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 source for knowing the will and character of our Creator. Keep therefore His Statutes, and His Commandments, which I command you this day, that it may go well with you, and with your children after you (Deuteronomy 4:40).
Word Studies:
3:18 meet for the war = qualified to fight; 3:28 charge = appoint, give responsibility to; 4:12 no similitude = no figure, shape or form; 4:34 assayed = endeavored, attempted; 4:37 seed = descendants.
Christ Portrayed:
By Joshua, who led the Israelites into their inheritance (Deuteronomy 3:28). Through Jesus, Christians receive the promise of eternal inheritance (Hebrews 9:15), an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for us (I Peter 1:4).
Prayer Needs:
Pray for BPM Staff: Letha Hash · Government Officials (Listed on their Birthdays): Rep. Rosa DeLauro (CT) and Sen. Russell Feingold (WI) · Country: Nepal (24 million) a mountain-ringed Himalayan state between Tibet and India · Major language: Nepali · Limited religious freedom · 89% Hindu; 7% Buddhist; 3% Muslim; .3% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord for wisdom and discernment (Proverbs 2:1-6).
Optional Reading: Luke 17
Memory Verse for the Week: Ephesians 5:11