Thoughts on Deuteronomy 4
Moses was a great servant leader. He was obedient to God and, by the way he speaks, I can sense that he has a genuine concern for the people he is called to lead.
When times got rough, even impossible, did he give up on God? Did he give up on people? Once – a seemingly trivial and understandable emotional reaction – but one that affected him until his death. But for the many other trials and troubles he faced while leading the nation of Israel to the promised land, he was obedient and had remarkable patience and perseverance.
“Your eyes have seen what the Lord did…”
Moses was leading the people not to himself, but to God. This takes off a lot of pressure on the reluctant leader. It’s not about you.
“.. as the Lord my God commanded me..”
Two things : Do you know what the Lord is commanding? Is that what you are teaching?
“Keep them and do them, for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’ For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the Lord our God is to us, whenever we call upon him? And what great nation is there, that has statutes and rules so righteous as all this law that I set before you today?”
Deuteronomy 4:6-8 ESV
http://bible.com/59/deu.4.6-8.esv
A great encouragement and timely reminder as we begin the 10 commandments series at TBC.
““Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children—”
Deuteronomy 4:9 ESV
http://bible.com/59/deu.4.9.esv
Take care not to forget the things your eyes have seen. Make them known to your children and your grandchildren. You are responsible for your own faith. Though other people may come and encourage, ultimately the decision and effort is personal. Then, you are also responsible for passing on your faith to your family. Not only because it is commanded, but because you know that this is what is best for them.
“But from there you will seek the Lord your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul.”
Deuteronomy 4:29 ESV
http://bible.com/59/deu.4.29.esv
Will you fail? Yes, there will be times of stubborness, stupidity, and bad decisions. You will reap the consequences of those actions. It will be painful. But it’s not, and shouldn’t be, the end.