Category: Deuteronomy

Today you should read: Deuteronomy 34:1-12

Today we come to the close of our journey through the book of Deuteronomy. Don’t miss tomorrow as we begin walking through 1 & 2 Peter together!

Today’s ending can probably be best described as a “hopeful” ending rather than a “happy” one. This is because Moses was not able to enter the promised land because of his disobedience (Deut. 32:51-52; for further study, check out this article). But God in his grace did allow Moses to see the promised land that he had worked his life to lead his people to, even if he did so imperfectly. It ends on a hopeful note because in God’s punishment for Moses’s disobedience, we see immediately following that God is still going to keep his promise to Israel by using Joshua to lead the people into the land.

What is also striking is how the focus of this passage is on God, not on Moses. Moses is said to be the greatest prophet in the history of Israel, and yet he was not able to fulfill the ultimate purpose of his leadership—to lead the people to the promised land. This should serve as a great reminder to us that we are completely dispensable. Yes, God chooses to use us and overcome our weaknesses, but he does not do so based off any merit of our own—he does it because of his grace and for the purpose of his glory. This is a great reminder to keep the focus off of ourselves, and direct it toward God.

As we close the book of Deuteronomy, what are some of the most important lessons you learned? Share and comment below!

By: Graham Withers — Pastoral Ministry Associate

Today you should read: Deuteronomy 33:1-29

There are several websites out there that will predict the day that one will die in exchange for information about yourself (and for at least one website, a small fee as well). I remember reading about them several years ago and thinking: 1. I would hate to know exactly when I would die. 2. What would I do and say right before my death?

Well, Moses didn’t have to think about this but instead experienced it himself. He was just foretold by God his death in the last chapter and we get to read his final words to his people before that death. What type of legacy speech does Moses share?

• He shared of God’s great power & love (v. 2-3a)
• He showed how God was sovereign & guiding them as a nation & His people (v. 3b-5)
• He gave each tribe specific commands & reminders from the Lord (v. 6-28)
• He ends with a prelude to the Gospel, reminding them of the joy we receive in our salvation & God’s victory over Satan & evil (v. 29)

What would your legacy speech be to your friends, family, and church?

By: Erik Koliser — West Campus Pastor

Today you should read: Deuteronomy 32:1-52

Today we are looking at the Song of Moses. The ESV Study Bible says this song, “acts as a witness against Israel.” All throughout it we see how Israel disobeyed God, while God showcased his faithfulness over and over again. Throughout we also see the importance of “remembering” God. It’s as if Moses is trying to show us that the disobedience of Israel had to do with them not remembering the Lord as they should’ve.

Verses 23-27 show that there are consequences to the sin of the people. God hates sin, and therefore his wrath must be dealt with. We know that this wrath of God towards sin is ultimately poured on Jesus, because Jesus is the only one who could ever take it.

Our response should be to intentionally create opportunities to remember all that God has done in your life. This might simply be through reading your Bible and praying, or maybe you can try journaling, or catching up with an old mentor or friend that was impactful in your Christian life. Just find different ways to remember God in such a way that it leads you to greater love and worship of him.

By: Graham Withers — Pastoral Ministry Associate

Today you should read: Deuteronomy 31:23-30