READING FOR NOVEMBER 13, 2024: DEUTERONOMY 8, 1 PETER 2, PSALM 119:9-16 DEUTERONOMY 8 In this chapter Moses doesn’t give any commands for Israel to obey, but he explains the reasons for the commands and the consequences for obeying or disobeying them. It is instructive for us today and at some variance with what is often taught. First of all, Moses tells the people to remember God’s dealings with them in the past. God sometimes chose to humble them to teach them lessons and test them so that what was in their hearts could be revealed. For example, he first allowed them to go hungry in order to teach them that man does not live by bread alone. (This was quoted by Jesus when he contended with Satan in the wilderness.) Certainly, it’s difficult to know what God is trying to teach us through hardships, but likely there’s always a spiritual lesson to be learned in every challenge. We would be wise to consider this when going through trials and remember these lessons later on.
Another reason for commands is to reveal what is in our hearts. The Bible often clearly teaches God knows our thoughts: “Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I get up; You understand my thoughts from far away” (Psalm 139:1-2). Yet, He knows our ways experientially when we actually obey or disobey Him. For example, if we obey Jesus, it is concrete evidence to God and others that we love Jesus: “If you love Me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Love can seem like an abstract concept, but actions are concrete.
Moses further explains that God uses events to discipline us in the same way parents discipline children. Thus, if He were to overlook any disobedience on our part, it would be the same as our allowing no negative consequences to our children when they act out in rebellion.
On the other hand, Moses told Israel to remember how God led them for the past 40 years, how He fed them and gave them to water when they really needed it, and how He prevented their clothing from wearing out. As they entered the promised land, they could take with them these memories of God’s providence to know that God would keep His promises to amply meet all their physical needs in the future. In like manner, we can know that God will meet our needs in this life and fulfill His promise to provide us with a wonderful life in heaven.
There is one danger Moses points out to Israel and by extension to us. As we experience God’s provisions of food, clothing, and shelter, we may become proud and not give total credit to God. If we as individuals or as a church start to believe it is our effort, intelligence, or good looks that has brought us success, Moses says we will perish. We will be just like the seven nations who occupied the promised land before Israel who God determined to eliminate.
1 PETER 2 Peter recommends we do a personal inventory and get rid of certain bad traits: malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander. What a great exercise. Certainly, the Holy Spirit
READING FOR NOVEMBER 13, 2024 C0NTINUED: 1 PETER 2, PSALM 119:9-16 will reveal these to us if we ask Him. Also, he suggests we develop a longing for the Bible that is like a newborn baby’s desire for milk. Do we remember getting up at night to respond to our kids’ cry to be fed? What an analogy. Peter implies we can’t grow spiritually without the word.
Then Peter demonstrates his own reliance on the word by quoting Psalm 118:22 about Jesus being the stone the builders rejected. Jesus was rejected by the authorities but became the key for our salvation. So also were the Gentiles once outside of the covenant people, but now are also chosen of God through faith in Jesus. Yes, we as Gentile believers may be slandered for our faith. If so, though, let our behavior reflect well upon Jesus so that God is glorified.
One important way to manifest godly behavior that glorifies God is to submit to authorities. This includes following all laws, company policies, and church guidelines. Rebellion in the Bible is associated with Satan, Adam, Eve, and others who refuse to submit. Peter suggests a fourfold plan for Christians living in relation to others: 1) honor all people, 2) love fellow Christians, 3) fear God, and 4) honor the king. He elaborates on the importance of submitting to our earthly bosses, even if they are not good bosses. This finds favor with God. He holds up the example of Jesus, who committed no sins but rather was grossly abused. He did this all for the purpose of bearing our sins so that we might be healed from spiritual death. THE GOSPEL.
PSALM 119:9-16 Consider all the ways a young male can go wrong today, given the pervasive influence of popular culture and the post-Christian worldview that pervades the educational system. Notice, for example, how many men under thirty attend our church regularly. Is it even possible to be a Christian young man today? Psalm 119:9 says it absolutely is. The all-too secret weapon is living in conformance with the Bible (vs. 9), obeying the commandments (vs. 10), treasuring the Bible (vs.11), being taught the scriptures (vs. 12), verbalizing God’s word (vs. 13), valuing the Bible as great wealth (vs. 14), pondering the implications of the Bible upon life’s choices (vs. 15), and finding enjoyment in studying the Bible (vs. 16).
Is there much hope for our sons without doing all the above? In our current cultural moment, the chances are likely close to zero. The method of placing young men on this spiritual path has not changed over the centuries. Hear these words Moses spoke just before Israel entered the promised land: “These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. And you shall repeat them diligently to your sons and speak of them when you sit in your house, when you walk on the road, when you lie down, and when you get up” (Deut. 6:6-7). It’s our privilege to create this kind of home.
