As I reflect on our readings from this past week, I need to remind myself that the Book of Deuteronomy is a second giving of God’s Law. The previous generation of Israel died in the wilderness and it was important to repeat the law to the new generation before they entered the land that God had promised them. He had not yet sent His one and only Son as the final perfect sacrifice, but He was always setting the stage and pointing the way to Jesus. God’s character does not change, His desire to draw all people to Him does not change, and His love for His people is eternal. For me it is easy to get a bit lost in the Old Testament with the detailed descriptions of the requirements laid out. There is great meaning in the requirements and I am so grateful that Jesus meets every requirement. Let’s always stay focused on God’s heart for us and not miss key elements because some parts of the Bible may not be our favorite to read.
A major theme in the book of Deuteronomy is “Remember.”
Deuteronomy 11:1-2 “Love the Lord your God and keep his requirements, his decrees, his laws and his commands always. Remember today that your children were not the ones who saw and experienced the discipline of the Lord you God: his majesty, his mighty hand, his outstretched arm…”
This passage ties the majesty and greatness of God to the decrees and laws. God loves His people so very much and He wants us to understand that what He calls us to comes from His extreme love for us. It is not just laws and rules. As we read further, we are reminded that God overwhelmed the Egyptians as they pursued God’s people and he always provided for them. It was stressed that those who witnessed what God had done should pass the information on to the future generations.
In Deut. 11:8, we read that God’s commands are given so that the people would have the strength to do what God was calling them to do. He was calling them into a land of mountains and valleys and He was equipping them for the tasks and journey ahead of them. Likewise, Deut. 11: 16 is a strong caution to not be enticed to turn away. Following false gods leads to participating in detestable practices, and God’s desire is for us not to perish. There is blessing in obedience. We are given some strategies to help us stay faithful to God in verses 11:18-20. We are encouraged to: fix the words of instruction in our hearts and minds; use reminders to help us remain faithful; teach God’s instructions to our children and to other people by making it part of our daily life and daily conversations – we should practice what we preach and imbed God’s ways into our daily lifestyle. I love the final verses of chapter 11. The people were told that even when they arrived to the place God was taking them, they should continue to obey His ways.
As we read on through chapters 12-16 there are strong cautions to not allow any practices following false gods. All the idols are to be torn completely down. I often find myself thinking of this and first asking God to help me see what idols (influences other than the One True God) I have allowed in my life. This can creep in so easily, and God is eager for us to keep being refined by Him. Sometimes even good things can become idols in our lives. We need to be willing to see things for what they are, and, with God’s help, tear those idols down.
God’s desire was to give his people an inheritance, to give them rest from their enemies. He had instructions for the people in a way they should worship him that would keep their hearts focused on him alone. God was going to show his people the place to worship him and didn’t want it tainted in any way with other customs. God had instruction for the people on caring for themselves and on caring for others. Setting apart a tithe as an offering to the Lord and to help provide for others in need reflected God’s heart on honoring Him and being generous. We read about specific ways to offer sacrifices while remembering all that God has done for his people.
Again, I reflect on Jesus being the ultimate sacrifice. He was without blemish and his blood was poured out for each of us.
God desires to hold our focus. He is the source of strength, safety and peace. God’s people are called to be set apart for Him alone.
Marge Woodson
