March 4, 2006
Read Deuteronomy 7
In Today's
Keep the Commandments; reminder of parents' rebellion and 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 proceedeth 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 Thou 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 agendas. Satan quoted Scripture, but only the portion that would apply to his temptation. Jesus again quoted Deuteronomy after the second temptation, saying: Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God (4:7; Deuteronomy 6:16). By quoting Scripture, Satan attempted to lure Jesus into using His Deity to satisfy His physical need, and thereby disqualify Himself to redeem sinners. But, Jesus again quoted Scripture: It is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou 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 hath My Commandments, and keepeth (obeys) them, he it is that loveth 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
After reviewing the Commandments, Moses added: What doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all His ways, and to love Him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, To keep the Commandments of the LORD, and His Statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good (benefit) (Deuteronomy 10:12-13).
Word Studies:
10:16 Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart = the physical symbol of
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 of a woman (born), made (born) under the Law, To redeem them that were under the Law (Galatians 4:4-5).
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Officials: Gov. Rick Perry (TX) and Rep. Christopher Smith (NJ) · Country:
Optional
Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 13:10