Bible Pathways 3/4/2001
March 4
Read Deuteronomy 8 -- 10
The generation of Israelites who had been delivered from Egypt eventuallydied in the desert as a result of disobedience. The message to the new generation, and to us as well, is that life cannot be satisfying when we disregard God's Word. All the commandments which I command you this day shall you observe to do, that you may live . . . and go in and possess the land which the Lord swore to (give to) your fathers. . . . that He might make you know that man does not live by bread only, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord (Deuteronomy 8:1,3). The word do is used over 90 times in Deuteronomy and the necessity of "obedience," which brings the blessings of God, is prominent in almost every chapter.
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). This was in 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 (4:3), meaning: "Why should You, of all people, go hungry? If You are the Son of God, why not use Your creative powers to satisfy Your hunger."
Satan the tempter quoted Scripture, but he distorted and misapplied its meaning. Jesus again quoted Deuteronomy at 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 have yet 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). Jesus spoke the Word of God with authority, the only weapon needed to defeat Satan. A vital key to overcoming Satan is knowing all of God's Word in which we are empowered to be overcomers. Scripture is our spiritual sword (Hebrews 4:12). As we read all of God's Word, the Holy Spirit brings it to our minds when needed.
How tempted we are to boast, to take recognition for whatever achievements there might be. 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, my power and the might of my hand have 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: And now, Israel, 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 . . . which I command you this day for your good? (10:12-13).
Jesus not only quoted these verses as applying to His followers, but also said: 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).
Christ Revealed: Through the acacia (shittim) 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 dry ground (Isa. 53:2). Jesus took on human form to redeem us. God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the Law, To redeem them that were under the Law (Gal. 4:4-5).
Word Studies: 10:16 Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart means that the physical symbol of Israel's separation, circumcision, was to be a symbol of their love, submission, and loyalty to God; stiffnecked means stubborn and hardened.
Government Official: Rep. Christopher Smith (NJ) · Pray for the Bible Pathway Internet Outreach and the Bible Pathway devotions in Arabic, English, French, Hindi, Hungarian, Indonesian, Norwegian, Russian, Spanish, and Swedish that are now online on our website. Let friends and missionaries overseas know that the devotional commentary is now available in these languages · Country: Albania (3 million) in southeastern Europe · Major languages: Albanian and Greek · Newly opened to evangelism · 40% Muslim; 11% Albanian Orthodox; 7% Roman Catholic · Prayer Suggestion: God wants to be exalted through you (Psalms 46:10).
Optional Reading: Luke 19
Memory Verse for the Week: Colossians 1:19
