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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise Moses told the people, “You saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place” (Deut 1:31). What a beautiful picture of your loving care for me. Deuteronomy testifies to your faithfulness to Israel, and I know that you will be faithful to me as well. Praise the Lord! Today in Your Word Today you told me about Moses’ first sermon to the Israelites in the plains of Moab at the end of the 40-year wilderness period. Moses began by telling the story of how Israel rebelled against you at Kadesh-barnea. He did this because the new generation needed to be reminded of their fathers’ sin. They needed to remember that unbelief had caused frustration, death and decades of wandering in the desert. This teaches me that I need to honestly recall my past sins and tell my children how disobedience led to heartache and pain. The consequences of sin should motivate me and my family to obey you in the future! Moses then made a point of telling the new generation that you had blessed them during their wanderings: “You have lacked nothing” (Deut 2:7). It was important for the people to hear your perspective of their journey for they had grumbled over the lack of water (Num 20:2) and complained about the manna (Num 21:5). They needed to realize that when the Provider is with you, you have all you need! Moses also recounted how you had led the people safely past Edom and Moab, and how you had given them victory over the Amorites. You prohibited Israel from taking any land from Ammon, Moab and Edom, showing that a nation’s claim to the land is grounded in your gift, not in power or possession. The defeat of King Sihon of Heshbon was not due to Israel’s military might. It was because you delivered him into Israel’s hand (Deut 2:31). The people needed to understand that their ability to conquer their enemies came only through your power. There was no need for fear and no place for pride: “The Lord our God delivered all over to us” (Deut 2:36). Reflection The people tried to make up for their sin at Kadesh-barnea by carrying out your original command. But this only revealed the insincerity of their repentance, for you had told them not to fight (Deut 1:41–43). Do I remember that two wrongs never make a right? Request Father, help me use the painful consequences of past sins to motivate me to obey today. Impress on my heart how important it is to follow and serve you. Thanksgiving Thank you for your faithfulness in my life and your provision for my needs. I can be content in any situation because I know that you have promised to take care of me! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “Great is Thy Faithfulness” by Thomas O. Chisholm. Meditation Verse: Deuteronomy 1:32–33. |