Instruction
Scripture: Deuteronomy4:1-2, 6-9
Moses wrote Deuteronomy at the end of his life and ministry
as a last sermon for the people. God had revealed that he would not enter the
Promised Land with the people, but would only see it from a distance. In this
portion of the book Moses exhorts the Israelites to carefully observe and keep
God’s statutes and rules. This was not merely for the sake of being obedient,
but God’s rules and commands would give the Israelites wisdom and make them an
example to the nations around them. He also warns them to never forget the
incredible acts of salvation and judgement that they had seen as God rescued
them from Egypt and preserved them in the wilderness. The function of this text
is as an exhortation to hear and keep God’s Word, remember both the Law revealed
there and in the Gospel message of God’s salvation.
Teaching
God’s Word contains two main messages: Law and Gospel. This
passage contains and deals with both. The Law is that which condemns sin, reveals
God’s holy will, and tells us how to live as His people. The Gospel reveals
God’s salvation and displays the heart of His relationship with us as we live
in God’s forgiveness. So this passage does not shy away from the exhortation to
listen to God’s rules and keep them exactly as He delivered them. Nor does it
hide that the heart of Israel’s relationship with God was their salvation from
slavery. Indeed, they were chosen by grace to receive the Law to be an example
to the people around them to draw them to God.
Life
We might be tempted to look at Old Testament readings like
this one and wonder what it has to do with us today. There are some important
teachings here for us as we live in relationship with God and His Word. First,
like Israel, we do well to remember what God has done for us and to make all
that He has done known to our family and to those around us. The Gospel has
come to us and we know of Jesus sacrifice, death, and resurrection. What a
powerful message to share with others! Second, we too have received God’s Law
and the wisdom that it provides. This does not mean that we try to fulfill the
Law. Jesus did that for us. We do, however, recognize that our God knows how
our lives work best and out of love for Him and for our neighbor we seek to
live in a manner that is consistent with His will as He revealed in His Word.
Prayer
This prayer is written
in the themes of Thanksgiving and Petition.
Lord God, we thank You for Your Law and Gospel. Thank You
for revealing our sin by Your Law and Your forgiveness in the Gospel. Thank You
also for giving us wisdom to live according to Your will. We are grateful to be
able to share Your wisdom in this world – especially the wisdom of the cross
where we receive our salvation.
Lord, let all who hear or read Your Word be moved to worship
You and to be in awe of the God who is near His people. Help us to listen to Your
statutes and rules, neither adding to nor subtracting from them, but keeping
and doing them. Make us diligent to keep close watch on our souls as well, lest
we forget all that You have done for us and the many ways we’ve experienced
Your salvation. Amen
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