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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise You knew that Israel would forsake your covenant and serve other gods, and you warned them that your wrath would fall on them when they rebelled. Yet you also told them that there was a way back from apostasy. If they returned to you and obeyed you with all their heart and soul, you would have compassion on them and restore them from captivity. I praise you today as the God who graciously provides a second chance! When I turn to you in repentance, you are merciful and forgiving, eagerly welcoming me back into fellowship with you. Hallelujah! Today in Your Word Today you told me about Moses’ third and final sermon. Moses began by reminding the people of what they had seen and heard: “The great trials that your eyes saw, the signs, and those great wonders” (Deut 29:3). Then Moses said, “But to this day the Lord has not given you a heart to understand or eyes to see or ears to hear” (Deut 29:4; cf. Isa 6:9–10; Matt 13:14–15). The eyes that witnessed the exodus had not become eyes of faith. The ears that heard your voice at Sinai had not become ears of obedience. The hearts that experienced your care and provision had not become hearts of loyalty. How could this be? Was it somehow your fault? Had you prevented them from being able to obey? Certainly not! The reason you had not given them ears to hear and eyes to see and hearts to understand was because such gifts can only be given to those who come to you in sincere repentance and faith. You can give anyone water from a rock and manna from heaven. You can give anyone clothes that don’t wear out and sandals that don’t wear off. But inner, spiritual change can only come to those who respond to you in faith! But surely your Law was too distant for them to know and too hard for them to keep? No! You told the people clearly that your Law was not too hard and it was not too far away. “It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it” (Deut 30:14). They couldn’t lay their failure at your feet, for they had everything they needed to be successful. If they perished, it was because they had scorned your offer of grace. Moses then told the people that he would not be going with them into Canaan: “The Lord your God himself will go over before you. He will destroy these nations before you, so that you shall dispossess them, and Joshua will go over at your head, as the Lord has spoken” (Deut 31:3). This teaches me that while human leadership may change, your guiding and protecting presence remains the same. I can be strong and courageous because you are with me. You will never fail or forsake me, and although the challenge ahead may be great, I have no need to fear! Reflection Moses warned the Israelites against thinking that they could live a life of sin while still enjoying the blessing of the community’s obedience (Deut 29:18–21). Such people would come under your curse and be destroyed. This is a sobering reminder of the importance of holy living! Request Father, I renew my commitment to you today. Help me to obey your commandments and to keep my heart loyal to you alone. Strengthen me and enable me to resist all temptation. Thanksgiving Thank you for the assurance that you will always go before me. I can face the future with boldness because I know you are holding me in your mighty hand. Praise the Lord! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “I Surrender All” by Judson W. Van DeVenter. Meditation Verse: Deuteronomy 30:19. |