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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise Moses said, “For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. He defends the cause of the orphan and the widow, and loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing” (Deut 10:17–18). What a beautiful picture of my amazing King! I worship you today and praise your name. Hallelujah! Today in Your Word Today you told me more about Moses’ second sermon to the Israelites in the plains of Moab at the end of the 40-year wilderness period. Moses warned the people not to interpret their victory in the coming conquest as a sign of their own righteousness: “God is not giving you this good land to possess because of your righteousness, for you are a stubborn people” (Deut 9:6). Moses then reminded them of several incidents in which they had been disobedient and rebellious (Deut 9:7–29). This teaches me the danger of self-righteousness. Rather than viewing success as proof of my own goodness and virtue, I need to recognize it as the unmerited gift of your mercy and grace. Anytime I become smug or puffed up over my achievements, I need to remind myself, as Moses reminded Israel, of the many times I’ve rebelled against you. This will keep me where I need to be—on my knees in humility with heartfelt gratitude for your blessings. Moses finished this part of his sermon by urging the people to love you and imitate your love for others (Deut 10:17–19). He told them that their personal experience of your great deeds should motivate them to fear and obey you. Knowing their tendency to stray, Moses revealed that you intended to use Canaan’s climate to discipline them for sin—idolatry would lead to drought and famine. The choice was theirs: blessing for obedience or cursing for disobedience. This same choice is before me as well. If I value my health and well-being, I will be careful to obey you! Reflection You told Israel to put “these words of mine in your heart and in your soul” (Deut 11:18). Am I memorizing your Word and meditating on your thoughts each day? Request Father, my desire is to fear you and serve you and cling to you (Deut 10:20). Help me to circumcise my heart, that is, to set it apart from all sin to you alone! Thanksgiving Thank you for your love. How wonderful to know that you have set your affections on me (Deut 10:15)! May my life always be the sweet fragrance of Christ ascending to you (2 Cor 2:15). In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “Oh, Worship the King” by William Kethe. Meditation Verse: Deuteronomy 10:12. |