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Bible Pathways 03/04/04



 

03042004

Read Deuteronomy 8 -- 10

In Today's Reading:

Keep the commandments; reminder of parents' rebellion, golden calf; the second tablets of stone

Jesus began His earthly ministry by quoting from Deuteronomy: Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4; compare Deuteronomy 8:3). This was His response to Satan, who tempted Him to make bread for Himself from stones after His 40-day fast. Satan had said: If (Since) You be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread (Matthew 4:3), meaning: "Why should You, of all people, go hungry?"

Satan the tempter quoted Scripture, but he misapplied its meaning. Jesus again quoted Deuteronomy after the second temptation, saying: You shall not tempt the Lord your God (4:7; Deuteronomy 6:16). Jesus did not compromise even once — a lesson some Christians need to learn. At the third temptation, Jesus once again quoted Deuteronomy: It is written: You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve (Matthew 4:10; Deuteronomy 6:13). A vital key to overcoming Satan is knowing God's Word through which we are empowered to be overcomers. For the Word of God is quick (living), and powerful (Hebrews 4:12) and it is the overcoming weapon needed to defeat Satan. As we continue reading all of God's Word, the Holy Spirit brings it to our minds when it is needed.

We need to remember Moses' warning to Israel: Beware that you forget not the LORD your God, in not keeping His Commandments. . . . And you say in your heart (to yourself) my power and the might of my hand has gotten me this wealth. But you shall remember the LORD your God for it is He that gives you power to get wealth (Deuteronomy 8:11,17-18).

After reviewing the Commandments, Moses added: What does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God to walk in all His ways, and to love Him, and to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and . . keep the Commandments of the LORD . . . which I command you this day for your good (benefit) (10:12-13).

Jesus not only quoted these verses as applying to His followers, but said that he that has My Commandments, and keeps them, he it is that loves Me . . . If a man love Me, he will keep My words (John 14:21-23).

Word Studies:

10:16 Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart = the physical symbol of Israel's separation, circumcision, was to be a symbol of their love, submission, and loyalty to God; stiffnecked = stubborn and hardened.

Christ Revealed:

Through the shittim (acacia) wood used to make the Ark of the Covenant (Deuteronomy 10:3). Acacia wood, a desert growth, is symbolic of Christ in His human form as a root out of a dry ground (Isaiah 53:2). Jesus took on human form to redeem us. God sent forth His Son, made (born) of a woman, made (born) under the Law, To redeem them that were under the Law (Galatians 4:4-5).

Prayer Needs:

Government Officials: Gov. Rick Perry (TX) and Rep. Christopher Smith (NJ) · Country: Sao Tome and Principe (155,000) two larger and several smaller islands in the Gulf of Guinea, 125 miles off the western coast of Africa · Major language: Portuguese · Religious freedom is fairly new · 83% Roman Catholic; 3% Protestant; 2% animist · Prayer Suggestion: In times of trouble, pray and seek comfort in the Word of God (Psalm 119:50).

Optional Reading: Luke 19

Memory Verse for the Week: John 3:14



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