Bible Pathways 03/01/2003
Read Deuteronomy 1 -- 2
In Today's 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 it is (only) an 11 days' journey from Horeb (Mount Sinai) to Kadesh-barnea (about 165 miles) (1:2). This message was given in the fortieth year after leaving Egypt (1:3). Despite their miraculous deliverance from Egypt, the older generation sinned against the Lord by not believing that He would give them victory over the Canaanites. By faith, the promised land could have been theirs.
The generation of adult Israelites who had left Egypt did not recognize that their hardships were designed to test their faith in His word. 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 died. Now, the new generation would also be tested. Would they take God at His word?
We too have a choice. We can choose to be like the many Israelites who found fault with everything, or choose to be like Caleb and Joshua whose faith in God's word overcame all fears and frustrations.
It can truly be said of some believers today that, although they accepted Christ as their Savior, they have made little spiritual progress since they first believed. They do as little as possible, for they have not made Him Lord of their lives. It is our responsibility to be doers of the word and not hearers only (James 1:22).
Loving submission to the Lord develops our faith in His ability to guide, protect, and provide for our every need. Just as God had a plan for Israel, so He has a plan for each of us.
In the midst of "giant" problems, the Holy Spirit is available to all who, like Caleb and Joshua, do not trust in themselves to overcome their giants God's word is our only infallible Guide. We are His making, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10).
Christ Portrayed:
By Moses, who spoke to the children of Israel according to all that the Lord had commanded him (Deuteronomy 1:3). Jesus very faithfully told others everything God told Him to say. I do nothing on My own. But just as the Father taught Me, I say these things (John 8:28).
Prayer Needs:
Government Officials: Sen. John Breaux (LA) · Country: Serbia and Montenegro (11 million) on the Balkan Peninsula in southeastern Europe · Major language: Serbo-Croatian · Religious conflict · 41% Serbian/Montenegrin/Macedonian Orthodox; 33% Catholic; 11% Muslim; 1% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Rejoice in the Lord, for He is forgiving to those who call upon Him (Psalms 86:4-5).
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: Matthew 5:11
