Bible Pathways 03/04/05
March 4
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 You be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread (Matthew 4:3), meaning: "Since You are God's son, why should You, of all people, go hungry?"
Don't be surprised or deceived when false prophets quote Scripture to support their agenda. Satan quoted Scripture, but only the portion that would apply to his temptation. Jesus again quoted Deuteronomy after the second temptation, saying: You shall not tempt the Lord your God (4:7; Deuteronomy 6:16). By quoting Scripture, Satan attempted to lure Jesus into using His Deity to satisfy His ego, and thereby nullify His position as fully Man, qualified to redeem the world. But, Jesus again quoted Scripture: It is written: You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve (Matthew 4:10; Deuteronomy 6:13).
Throughout His ministry, Jesus quoted Scripture when answering His critics and set an example for His disciples to whom He also said: He that has My Commandments, and keeps (obeys) them, he it is that loves Me. . . If a man love Me, he will keep My words (John 14:21-23).
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 only means 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 . . . 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 with all your soul, To keep the Commandments of the LORD, and His Statutes, which I command you this day for your good (benefit) (Deuteronomy 10:12-13).
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:
Pray for BPM Staff: Rick Hash · Government Officials: Gov. Rick Perry (TX) and Rep. Christopher Smith (NJ) · Country: New Zealand (4 million) two large islands southeast of Australia · Major languages: English and Maori · Religious freedom · 51% Protestant; 16% Roman Catholic; 3% cults · Prayer Suggestion: Seek God as more important than food to satisfy your hunger (Proverbs 3:13-18).
Optional Reading: Luke 19
Memory Verse for the Week: Ephesians 5:11
