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Today's Bible Reading...
March 2 Deuteronomy 3-4
1. The Israelites face an enormous challenge - the whole army of Og. They won
the battle only because God fought it for them. God wants to fight your battles
for you.
2. Moses tells Joshua (3:22) "Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God
himself will fight for you." Joshua was chosen by God to lead his men in battle
against the evil forces in the promised land. Joshua had nothing to fear because
God was with him. We face our battles against evilness. Every day we struggle
with temptation. We have nothing to fear when we obey God's direction.
3. (3:26-28) It was time for Moses to turn over the leadership to Joshua. We
must be willing to train new leaders and encourage them.
4. (4:2) Be faithful in observing and teaching the commands of the Lord.
5. (4:8) The purpose of the law was to point out sin and to show the proper way
to deal with that sin. The Ten Commandments are just as applicable today as they
were 3,000 years ago. All of God's laws have a purpose. However, many of the
laws we read in the Pentateuch were specifically intended for the people of that
time and culture. Although a specific law may not apply to us today there is
still the principle behind the law. Christians do not practice animal sacrifice
in worship, however, the principles of forgiveness for sin and thankfulness to
God still apply.
6. The sacrifices point to the ultimate sacrifice made for us by Jesus Christ.
(With the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ the Old Testament laws were
fulfilled. This means that while the Old Testament laws help us recognize our
sins and correct them it is Christ who takes our sins away.)
7. Parents need to constantly teach their children about God.
8. (4:19) Idol worship was not just keeping a harmless statue around for
decoration. It was the worship and commitment to the evil qualities, beliefs and
practices.
9. (4:24) God is perfect and hates sin. Moses' sin kept him from entering the
promised land. No sacrifice could remove that judgment. Sin kept us from
entering God's presence, but Jesus Christ paid the penalty for our sin and
removed God's judgment by his death. Trust in Christ and accept him as your Lord
and Savior you will be saved you from the anger of God. The cross of Christ is
our only bridge to a relationship with God.
10. Would you like to know God? God promised the Israelites that they would find
God when they looked for God with all their heart and with all their soul. God
is knowable and wants to be known.
11. Look to God first, not as a last resort.
12. Look at God's laws as blessings, not burdens. The laws were give to help
you, not to make your life more difficult.
13. An example of obedience to God is the best witness you can have. Moses told
the people that other nations would watch their behavior as they obeyed God.
14. Remember the past and look forward to the future.
God, help me remember the wonderful victories of the past so that my faith will
grow and I will be more prepared for what is yet to come. Help me to forgive and
forget the sins that you have forgiven. Help me to be ready to move on as you
lead. May I never forget to give you the glory.
In the name of Jesus. Amen.
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