Deuteronomy 1-3

If you have never read through this book before, or if this is your first time reading all the "Law" books in order, I should prepare you for something: We are going to repeat a lot here.  Moses is reviewing all that has happened in the last 40 years.  But don't feel discouraged, thinking that you've read all of this before.  Hidden within the "recap" is lots of new information, which provides detail and insight on some things, as well as lots of brand new information.  But, if you thought we were jumping right into the promised land, that will have to wait until we finish this book.

Chapter 1
Moses reminds us in verse 13 what God's standards are for leaders.  We can apply this to our own modern lives by holding the leaders of our country, government, schools, churches, and families to these same standards.  Wisdom, discernment, and experience.

I LOVE verse 31: "God carried you as a man carries his son."

Chapter 2
In verses 8 and 9, we learn that God has made a vow to the Moabites and the descendants of Esau.  Although many in these nations are completely lost to God, we can't know all of the plans that God has for them, and why He would spare these nations and not others.  We do know, however, that He has huge plans for one Moabite that we'll meet much later.  Know who I'm talking about?  If not, I'll keep it a surprise.

Verse 15
This is evendent in what we know about the 40 years that they wandered.  God wasn't just waiting around for their lives to finish.  He weeded them out, using battles, plagues, and forces of nature.

Verse 25
God's plans are so incredibly complex.  With this one battle, he is ending a pagan nation, increasing Israel's wealth and experience, proving himself faitful, and paving the way for the "big day" in Jericho. 

Chapter 3
I have no idea what is the significance of the iron bedstead in verse 11.  But if each cubit was 1.5 feet, then the iron bed was 6 feet wide, and 13.5 feet long.  Hmm.

Sometimes, like in verse 21, we have to be reminded of what God has done for us before we will trust Him to take us farther.  Look back on where God has taken you in your own life. If we are sincere, there should be no shortage of proof that God is providing for us and paving the way for His next step forward.

Verse 22 (yes!) "Do not fear them, for the Lord your God is the one fighting for you."  I know this is referring to real, physical battles, but I'm going to use this in my own spiritual life.  There are real forces out there whose whole purpose for existence is to leave us ineffective and powerless for God's kingdom.  We are in a spiritual battle every day, whether we acknowlege it or not.  But we have nothing to fear.  God is the one fighting for us.  And I've read ahead in the Book.  Our side wins.

Verse 26 says a lot about Moses' role in all of this.  God loved Moses, and there is no doubt that Moses was great and an inspirational leader and follower of God.  But the exodus from Egypt wasn't about the greatness of Moses.  If he had been unwilling, God would have had someone else ready to fill in.  When God kept Moses from entering the promised land, it reminded the people of two things:

1)We are all human, and even the best of us is capable of a big screw-up.  Moses was still a sinful man, and so are the leaders of our families, churches, and governments.  Our faith should not be in men.

2)It was not Moses who brought the people out of Egypt, and it would not be Moses taking them home.  Letting Moses die before crossing into Canan seems harsh to us, but in the big picture, it prevented the people from making Moses their idol.  The only constant from beginning to end in this story is God.  That's where the faith and glory should stay.

Isn't it fun to start a new book?  I love it. I always get so fired up about a new goal.  Let's meet back next time and talk about Deuteronomy 4-6.

Comments

[Kristina]

As I read Ch 1:21, I was imagining how they felt with the new land. God told them not be scared for what is to come. But knowing me I am scared. We recently put our house up for sale and I am excited but very fearful for leaving a comfortable place and going somewhere new. They must of been feeling the same. I love vs 31, but 32 says a lot too. Trust. Enough said right. They were having a difficulty in trusting. I have a hard time with trusting but I know in the end that God knows what he is doing for me. And they will get to the promise land.
Ch3 vs 22 Love this verse. God fights for us. I looked at it too as he fights for us everyday. We experience things every day that Satan is trying to get in our way. But God is fighting the battle for us. Isn’t that exciting.
I really like what you said in vs 26 I did not really think of that verse as two different things.

Thank you so much for sharing this with me. I need somewhere to go and do a bible study, I have not been in the word much and this gets me there. And I have never read Deuteronomy before. Thanks Anna!