TODAY’S READING: JOSHUA 1-5

OVERVIEW:  The commission of Joshua; the covenant with Rahab; crossing the Jordan river into the promised land; the memorial of the twelve stones; the circumcision of God’s people at Gilgal.

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

The Book of Joshua is the story of howIsraelcrosses theJordan Riverand claims the inheritance that God had given them. It took fighting many battles and defeating many enemies in order to actually possess this land. Once again, as only God could, He is painting another incredible picture of the Christian life through His record ofIsrael’s history.  Keep in mind as we see God develop these pictures, that Canaan is not a picture of heaven, because we do not have to battle to gain our home in heaven (it is a gift – Eph. 2:8-9). Canaanrepresents the inheritance that God has for each of us.  We have been called to possess our vessel in sanctification and honor (I Thess. 4:4) in order to live the victorious Christian life.  For this to happen, we must battle the flesh (Gal.5:17, II Cor. 10:4-5) and let our Joshua, the Lord Jesus Christ, lead us to victory in every battle, and against every enemy!

 

The Book of Joshua begins with the ending of a life…”Moses my servant is dead” (Josh. 1:2).  Moses was the lawgiver, and the law could not give life or defeat sin.  Moses brought them to the edge, but Joshua (Jesus) must take them in and give them the victory!  Verse 2 continues with…”now therefore arise”.  We must die to ourselves and our self-righteousness (Phil. 3:4-9) and let God raise us up to walk in newness of life every day!

Chapter 2 deals with the Jewish men who were sent to spy outJerichoand their subsequent covenant with Rahab the harlot.  Rahab just happens to be a picture of the spiritual history of every believer in Jesus Christ:

 

1. She was a sinner – Joshua 2:1 states plainly that she was a harlot   (Rom.3:23).

 

2. She was under condemnation (John3:18) – The city had already been declared condemned by God.  The city would be destroyed whether or not the people “felt” condemned or not, just like the world today. 

 

3. She heard the Word of God (Josh. 2:8-11) – It was a message of judgment.  Note that she calls God “The Lord” in her conversation.

 

4. She believed the Word – Faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Rom.10:17). Hebrews11:31states that Rahab was saved by faith.  She obviously had assurance from the Word when she says, “I KNOW that the Lord hath given to you the land” (Josh. 2:9).

 

5. She sought to win others (Josh.2:12-13) – When a person trusts Christ, their first desire is to share Him with others, especially their own family (Mark5:18-20).

 

6. She was delivered from judgment (Josh.6:22-25) – We, too, have been rescued from God’s coming judgment upon this world (I Thess.4:13-18, II Thess. 1:7-9).

 

7. She went to a wedding – In Matthew 1:5 we find that Rahab married into the royal lineage of the Nation of Israel.  Therefore, the Messiah came through her family.  How gracious is our God to take a harlot and make her the mother of the royal family through which Messiah came!  We, too, have a wedding and a marriage feast to look forward to (see Rev. 19:7-9, 17-19) because of God’s incredible grace!

 

In chapters 3 and 4,Israelfollows Joshua and the Ark of the Covenant across the riverJordan.  Note in Joshua 3:16 that the water that flowed down from the city ofAdamstood up and was stopped by theArk.  The effects of Adam’s sin (Rom.5:12, 17), which flowed from Adam down to us, is stopped by Jesus Christ when we cross over theJordanand possess our vessel (I Thess 4:4).

 

In chapter 5, all Jewish males were circumcised.  It was a mark of ownership (Gen. 17:1-14) to give external evidence of an internal truth (Deut.10:16).  Circumcision is the cutting away of the flesh that reveals the source of life.  If the flesh isn’t cut away in our lives, we will not reproduce spiritual life!      

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

Through JOSHUA – Joshua 1

Note: His very name means “savior”.  He is the one who leads us to the promised land.

 

As RAHAB’S SCARLET THREAD – Joshua2:18; a type of the blood of Christ which brings about   deliverance from judgment, and safety from death.

As CAPTAIN OF THE HOST – Joshua5:14-15 (Heb.2:10)

 

TODAY’S READING: DEUTERONOMY 31-34

 

 

OVERVIEW:  The selection of Joshua; the word from the Lord; the song of Moses; the blessing of the Tribes; the death of Moses; the succession of Joshua.

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

A man like no other in all of history prepares to finish his work and die.  In Moses’ case, you couldn’t say he was going to meet the Lord; he already had!  He had met Him and been with Him for years.  Now he is preparing to move where He is.  The new leader will be Joshua, who had been selected to lead in Numbers 27.  Moses now charges him and encourages him in the sight of allIsrael.  Moses had heard face to face from the Lord in Exodus 33 that the Lord would be with him.  Moses confirms this presence of the Lord to Joshua.

 

Deuteronomy 31:9 leaves no question as to who wrote this law.  After Moses wrote it, he gave it to the priests to preserve and to read it to the people every seven years.  God wants us to know that His Word is for us, y’all, the common people of the land.  (See Mark 12:37)

 

The Lord now calls Moses and Joshua to the tabernacle where He appears in a pillar of a cloud.  With this appearance, the children ofIsraelknew that the Lord had chosen Joshua.  The Lord tells Moses that whenIsraelenters the land and is filled with its goodness, they will turn from Him and serve other gods.  Moses is to write a song and teach it to the children ofIsraelas a witness against them. 

 

Chapter 32 is the song of Moses.  God’s message is to the whole world, even the universe (verse 1).  Not only doesIsraelneed to hear and learn from this song, all men for all of time need to hear of the goodness and the wrath of the Lord.  He is true and righteous and His work is perfect (James1:17).  He foundIsraeland blessed him, but whenIsraelforsook the Lord, judgment came.  In verse 29, Moses wishes that they would understand and consider the results of their deeds.  But sin deceives and blinds us; we have an incredibly difficult time seeing its end (James1:14, 15).

 

The song continues and reminds both us and the children ofIsraelthat vengeance belongs to the Lord.  He has reserved vengeance for Himself.  Romans12:19says: “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”  Only the Lord knows the thoughts and intents of the heart and can rightly deliver vengeance; it is never ours to deliver.

 

The song concludes, Moses teaches it to the children ofIsraeland the Lord speaks to Moses.  It is time for Moses to come up the mountain to die.  But we are reminded, as the Lord uses the phrase “gathered unto your people,” that God is not the God of the dead, but of the living (Matthew22:32)!  Moses will now see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the ones to whom the promises of a nation, land, and blessings had been made.

 

Chapter 33 records the blessing of the tribes by Moses.  God’s love is once again remembered in verse 3.  It’s interesting to note that no sins of any tribes are recorded.  Moses prays for blessings on each tribe.  The blessings begin and end with the glory of the Lord.

 

In the final chapter of the book, Moses climbs to the top of the mountain where he will see the Promised Land, but he will not enter in.  Moses dies according to the word of the Lord and God buries him in a valley where nobody knows.  At this point according to Jude there is a fight over the dead body of Moses. Joshua is full of the spirit of wisdom to lead the children of Israel, but there is not another prophet in Israel like Moses until the coming of the Lord

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

In JOSHUA – Deut. 31:7 (John1:17; Romans3:21, 22; Acts13:39) In THE ROCK – Deut. 32:4, 31 (Romans9:33; I Corinthians 10:4; I Peter 2:8)

 

TODAY’S READING: DEUTERONOMY 27-30

OVERVIEW:

The altar to be built; Blessing and cursing; the new covenant; Return to the Lord; The choice set before the children ofIsrael.

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

As chapter 27 begins, Moses instructs the children ofIsraelto set up an altar with the words of the Law written on them.  This instruction will actually be carried out by Joshua in Joshua 8:30-35.  The stones of the altar are to be built on two mountains.  One is the mountain of blessing; the other is the mountain of cursing.  The Levites will then speak to all of the people.  It is interesting that all that is spoken are curses; there are no blessings.  God is screaming out the message that the Law can only bring a curse!  Romans3:20says there is no justification by the deeds of the law!

 

Chapter 28 is the chapter of blessing and cursing.  If the children ofIsraelwill diligently hearken to the Lord and do His commandments, the Lord will set them on high (verse 1).  The Lord will bless them in their home, their work, their nation, and everything that pertains to their lives.  But, if they will not hearken (verse 15), curses will come on them and overtake them.  They will be cursed in their body, their work, their home, their land and their nation.  The rain will be dust.  In verse 30, the three military exemptions (Deuteronomy 20:5-7) are turned into curses.  Without the Lord fighting for them, they will be conquered.

 

This chapter is a prophecy of the future ofIsrael.  The blessings of the Lord will be seen repeatedly in the kingdom as they obey the Lord.  The curses will be seen in the conquests, captivities and the famines throughout the rest of the Old Testament and beyond.  Jeremiah cries in the book of Lamentations as he looks out his window and sees the people and the city destroyed as these very curses have unfolded.

 

What are we to learn from these things? 

• God does what He says He will do!
• The Lord works and moves in the physical realm of our world. 
• The Lord can bring rain and stop rain.
• The Lord can physically heal.
• The Lord can cause a battle to be won. 
• Our Lord does answer prayer! 
• Also, verses 47 and 48 (likewise Romans6:16) remind us that we will serve someone. Will it be the Lord or the enemy?

 

Chapters 29 and 30 complete the third message from Moses.  The covenant and their inability to keep it begins the chapter.  Moses reminds them of the provision and protection of the Lord, the wrath of the Lord, and their unique relationship with the Lord.  God has revealed secret things to them (verse 29).  Chapter 30 looks forward to a time of renewal for the children ofIsrael; they shall return unto the Lord and obey His voice.  The Lord is full of compassion (Psalm 111:4), and will turn their captivity, and will bless them again.

 

In Deuteronomy 30 verses 11 through 20, Moses extends the invitation to the children ofIsrael.  The words have been plain, not hidden.  The choice is upon them.  Verse 14 says the choice is in their heart.  Life and good, or death and evil are their choice.  Don’t miss the fact that it is our choice as well.  We choose whether or not to obey.  Moses closes with: “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life.”  (See John 5:40)

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

As THE PEACE OFFERING – Deut. 27:7 (John14:27; Romans 5:1; Colossians1:20) As THE BLESSING OF GOD – Deut. 28:1, 2 (Ephesians 1:3; I Peter 1:3) As LIFE – Deut. 30:15 (John11:25;6:40)

 

TODAY’S READING: DEUTERONOMY 23-26

OVERVIEW:

Requirements to be in the congregation; Cleanliness; Civil statutes; Divorce; Civil statutes; First offering; Charge to hear and obey

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

When you see all of the statutes the nation ofIsraelwere given, aren’t you glad that Christ fulfilled the Law for us?  Don’t you love “the simplicity that is in Christ” (II Cor. 11:3), as we hear Him say that the greatest commandment is to love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, soul, mind and strength, and that the second is like it, to love thy neighbor as thyself? (Mark 12:30-31)

 

Certain people were not to be admitted into the citizenship of the children ofIsrael.  They could reside in the area, but due to impurities (mutilation, illegitimacy, ancestry) they could not join the congregation ofIsrael.  The Lord desired a pure congregation of His people.  Sins had a lasting consequence.  Inside the congregation, purity and cleanliness had an important place; the statutes in chapter 23 reminded the people that the Lord was in their midst.  (See II Cor. 6:16-18)

 

The last of chapter 23 speaks of vows and generosity.  As in Ecclesiastes 5:4, 5, do not delay to pay vows; it is better not to vow than to not pay the vow.  Verses 24 and 25 tell the children ofIsraelthat they are to be a generous people while reminding them not to take advantage of the generosity of others.

 

In Matthew 5 and 19, the Lord deals with the issue of divorce from Deuteronomy 24.  Divorce was not God’s plan from the beginning (Matthew 19:8); Christ says divorce is here “because of the hardness of your hearts.”  In verse 2, the woman is permitted to go and be another man’s wife.  But in verse 4, she is referred to as being defiled.  Once again, sin has a lasting consequence.

 

Workers, servants and the poor are to be treated fairly.  The rich and powerful are not to oppress.  The stranger, the fatherless and the widow have a special place in God’s economy.  God wanted Israel to always remember that they had been slaves in Egypt, and wanted them to treat others in their affliction the way God had treated them (See Eph. 4:31-32). This new land and nation is to be a nation of abundant generosity and care for others.  If the children of God are to be a reflection of their Father, they (we) must be abundantly generous!

 

Chapter 25 gives direction to the judges and then describes the special relationship of the kinsman redeemer, another incredible revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ.  The Book of Ruth (especially the fourth chapter), gives the story of Boaz performing the statutes found here in verses 5 and 6.  Boaz is the picture of the Lord Jesus Christ redeeming a Gentile bride for Himself.  What an amazing Book! To understand more on this subject, I preached the book of Ruth in the fall of 2007. Cds are available on request.

 

The chapter continues with statutes for honesty in business.  In the commerce of that day, merchants would carry balances with their own weights for transactions.  Some determined that they could have weights for buying and different weights for selling; I mean, who would know the difference?  The omniscient Lord knows of our honesty with people, and deals with us accordingly.

 

The offering of the first fruits in Chapter 26 is a special one time offering for the first harvest in the new land.  There is a time of remembrance, a time of rejoicing and a time of confession (verses 13-15).  They will be in houses that they did not build, eating from crops and gardens that they did not plant.  They will be living in beauty and abundance from the hand of the Lord.  They will have been brought into the Promised Land!

 

Verses 16 through 18 are a confirmation of all that has been commanded.  The Lord has commanded that these things are to be kept with all the heart and soul.  The people have answered and agreed that they will walk in His ways, and keep His commandments.  The Lord promises that they will be His peculiar people, holy to Him.  The second sermon of Moses in Deuteronomy is ended.  My, can that boy preach!

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

As THE GENEROUS ONE – Deut. 24:19-21 (II Corinthians 8:9; Romans8:32) As THE KINSMAN REDEEMER – Deut. 25:5-6 (Romans3:24; Col. 1:13, 14) As FIRSTFRUIT OFFERING – Deut. 26:10-11 (I Corinthians15:20, 23) As THE DELIVERER – Deut. 26:8 (Galatians 1:3, 4)

TODAY’S READING: DEUTERONOMY 18-22

 

OVERVIEW:

 

Levites and Priests; Prophets; Cities of refuge; Civil statutes; Warfare; Unknown Murders; Family statutes; Civil statutes; Adultery

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

If Moses walked onto our platform to speak this Sunday morning, he could use the first 14 verses as his text. His instructions and warnings speak to today’s issues. The first section deals with the compensation of spiritual leaders and the second addresses nine issues of the occult. The Apostle Paul writes about these same matters in I Corinthians9:13, 14;10:21, 22 and Galatians 5:19-21.

 

Verses 15 through 19 give one of the greatest prophecies of our Lord Jesus Christ. Another prophet like Moses will come! Throughout the Gospels, Jesus was asked if He was that prophet. John the Baptist announced: “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” John 1:11-12 says: “He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.”  The people that knew this verse from Deuteronomy missed the fulfillment.

 

Cities of refuge are described again in Chapter 19. As in our study on Day 41, the cities picture the refuge we have in Christ. As the innocent manslayer would tell his story to the elders of the city, Psalm 62:8 tells us to pour out our heart to God, who is our refuge.

 

The chapter concludes with several civil statutes. Moving a landmark is stealing land from your neighbor. Matters of law are established with two or more witnesses. (How many times have we established something in our own mind on the word of only one person?) The person who sued for some amount in a false lawsuit, would be required to pay that amount to the defendant. Wouldn’t that limit today’s lawsuits? The commandment of fair and just judgments of the last verse is to the civil government. Sadly, it is soon twisted to provide an excuse for personal vengeance, vengeance that is always reserved by and for the Lord (Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans12:19).

 

Israelis going to have an unusual army! Instead of a general, a priest is going to speak to the troops. But that is not surprising; verse 4 reminds them that their strength and victory is the Lord. Four reasons are given that excuse a man from fighting: a new house, a new vineyard, a new wife or just afraid. The children ofIsraelare to seek peace when possible except for the six nations listed in Deuteronomy 20:17. These nations have been listed repeatedly as the nations that must be completely destroyed. If they survive, they will bring false gods and worship toIsraeland be thorns in their sides continually.

 

In chapter 21, after dealing with the offering to cleanse the land for an unsolved murder and instructions for taking a wife from the captives of the new land, Moses gives statutes for families.  Inheritances are to be divided by statutes and not emotions. Stubbornness and rebelliousness lead to death. Look carefully. Three times it is written that the son will not obey or hearken to the voice of the parents. Our goal in raising a child is that our voice will control and instruct their little body and mind. As our child matures, the control and guidance is moved to the Lord and His Word.

 

Chapter 22 gives statutes on many civil and family matters from taking care of your brother’s belongings, to clothing, to construction, to plowing, to divorce, to adultery. Over and over again the statutes and commandments are written to purify and sanctify a land that God would dwell in with His people. This had been a land of transvestites, a land of incest and adultery, a land of selfishness and self-involvement. The Lord desired a pure and holy nation in an undefiled land. II Corinthians 6:16, 17 tell us to come out from the evil of the land and be a separated people to our Lord!

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

As PROPHET – Deut.18:15(John5:46; Acts3:22, 23)

As SIN BEARER – Deut.21:22, 23 (Galatians3:13; I Peter2:24)

 

 

TODAY’S READING: DEUTERONOMY 13-17

 

OVERVIEW:

Warnings against following other gods; Clean and unclean animals; Seven year release; Bond servants; Three feasts; Civil judgments; Kings

 

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

The Apostle Paul was concerned that the people of the church in Colosse would be deceived by the enticing words and/or empty philosophies of men (Colossians 2:4-8), and that the people of the church inCorinthwould be beguiled by the subtlety of Satan (II Corinthians 11:3).  In today’s reading, we are reminded that there is nothing new under the sun!  God’s children are warned of being drawn away by three different methods in Deuteronomy 13:

 

1. God warns His people lest they be drawn away by someone performing signs and wonders.  Miracles and powers have had a place historically in the purposes of God, but alone, have never been the test of truth (Ex. 7:11, 22: 8:7).
2. God warns His people lest someone using the closeness of their relationship to draw them away.
3. God warns His people lest they be drawn away by a foreign philosophy life, and/or foreign practices of worship.

 

The judgment that coincides with each of these is consistent:  Death!  The worship of the Lord and His gospel must remain pure!

 

Moses then reminds the children ofIsraelin chapter 14 that they are to remain pure and holy.  In the first 2 verses, the pagan practices of the people of the land they will enter must be avoided.  The list of clean and unclean animals would separate the children ofIsraelfrom the other inhabitants of the land.  Because the blood could not be removed from an animal that died of itself, the children ofIsraelwere not to eat an animal that had already died; others could eat it, but not the chosen, separate people ofIsrael.  We, too, are a chosen people who have been called to be separate and holy (Titus2:14; I Peter 2:9).  There may be practices that are socially and culturally accepted, that have no place in the life of God’s people.

 

The tithe in verse 22 is the second tithe that is commanded of the people (Leviticus 27:30; Numbers18:26).  This one is a tenth of the yearly increase of their fields.  It was to be brought to the place of offering that the Lord had chosen.  A portion was to be eaten with rejoicing to remember that everything comes from the blessing of the Lord.  At the end of this chapter a tithe is collected for the poor.  There are plenty of lessons and New Testament parallels to be drawn from the passage:

• Everyone can tithe.  II Corinthians 8 and 9 teach that the only prerequisite is a willing mind.
• We are to give according to what we have been given.
• When we give bountifully, we will reap bountifully.
• God loves a cheerful giver.
• Everything we have comes from the Lord.
• Giving instructs and enriches the one receiving it.

 

Chapter 15 provides added instruction to the seventh year described in Exodus 23 and Leviticus 25.  Not only is the land to rest, but debts are to be forgiven!  It is a glorious reminder that our debt has been forgiven by the Lord Jesus Christ!  We do not have to pay the debt of sin!  The debt of sin is death (Romans6:23) and Christ has paid the debt!  Verses 7 through 15 tell of generosity to the poor.  Don’t ever forget Christ’s generosity toward us when we were poor!

 

The chapter finishes with consecration of the firstborn male of the herd or flock.  It is set apart for the Lord.  But it must be without blemish, if it is to be an offering to the Lord.  The Lord Jesus Christ is the unblemished Lamb of God.  As in verse 23, He was offered and His blood was poured out as water.  What a perfect offering!

 

Three feasts are described in chapter 16.  The first is the Passover followed by seven days of the Feast of Unleavened Bread.  This was a feast of remembrance.  Remember God’s deliverance.  The second is the Feast of Weeks (Feast of Harvest in Exodus 23), later to be known as Pentecost.  A freewill offering is to be given “according as the Lord thy God hath blessed thee.”  The third feast is the Feast of Tabernacles (Feast of Ingathering or Feast of Booths in Exodus 23; Leviticus 23; Numbers 29).  This again is a time of giving and rejoicing.

 

The chapter concludes with the selection of judges and officers and warnings against false gods.   Like God, judges were not to be a “respecter of persons,” nor were they to receive gifts from people.  God wanted them to be completely free to judge righteous judgment.  Another warning is given about taking up pagan practices of idol worship in groves of trees.  God doesn’t want any worldly practices near His altar and worship.

 

Chapter 17 gives statutes concerning the discovery and investigation of idol worship.  A matter of death requires the witness of two or more witnesses who must be the first in administering punishment.  A matter too difficult for a judge is to be brought before the priests.

 

Verses 14 through 20 give instructions for a king.  A king overIsraelmust be chosen from the children ofIsrael.  He is commanded to not multiply to himself: horses, wives, silver and gold. (Check out Solomon) When he sits on the throne he is instructed to write a copy of the law and read it everyday of his life so that he will fear the Lord, keep His words and do them; that his heart will not be lifted up and his days may be prolonged.  As those who have been made kings by the Lord Jesus Christ (Rev. 5:10), we should carefully consider these instructions!

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

As THE UNBLEMISHED SACRIFICE – Deut.15:21(I Peter1:19; II Corinthians5:21) As THE PASSOVER LAMB – Deut. 16:1 (John1:29, 36; Revelation5:12) As THE RIGHTEOUS JUDGE – Deut.16:18; 17:8 (Revelation19:11; Romans14:10)

 

TODAY’S READING: DEUTERONOMY 9-12

 

OVERVIEW:

God’s promises to the fathers; God’s grace to the undeserving; Second tables of commandments; Love and obedience; Blessing and curse; Ordinances

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

Once again, there are two main thoughts that permeate God’s message in today’s reading: REMEMBER and OBEY.  The children ofIsraelare reminded that the Lord has chosen them and protected them, but not because of their size, their might, or their righteousness.  Today, we are reminded that the Lord has not called and blessed us because of our might, our wisdom, or our goodness; we are WHAT we are, and are WHO we are, by GOD’S grace and mercy.  Moses reminds the children ofIsraelof their rebellion three times: Exodus 32, Numbers 11 and Numbers 13. It is interesting to note that in these three instances, it is Moses’ prayer and intercession that saved the people from the wrath of the Lord.  “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James5:16).

 

Chapter 10 begins the time of transition.  The second tables are in the ark and the second priest is in his place.  The tribe of Levi is chosen for the Lord and the children ofIsraelare told to prepare to enter the land.  The next 16 chapters will be statutes and judgments for life in the new land.  Now, look closely!  Verse 12 is going to sum up all that is required in the next 16 chapters.  “And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul.”  This is the second recording of the greatest commandment.  The Lord makes certain that His people understand that He wants obedience and service to come from love!

 

Love continues as the theme into the next chapter.  Love the Lord thy God because He loves you.  He showed His love with His deliverance and protection.  You show your love by keeping His commandments.  The new land is not likeEgypt.  All ofEgyptis watered by theNilethrough trenches into the fields.  The new land will be watered by rain from Heaven.  The children ofIsraelwill be dependent on the blessing of God through rain.  The Lord plainly relates the people’s worship to the rain.  If they will hear and do, love Him and serve Him, He will send rain.  Again they are reminded: “Be sure and teach your children!”  You will choose either a blessing or a curse.

 

Chapter 12 begins the statutes and judgments to observe in the new land.  Nearly every statute in this chapter is repeated twice.  Nearly every statute in this chapter is repeated twice.  However, it is repeated five times that the Lord will choose the place for His name and offerings.  Three times the children ofIsraelare reminded to rejoice!  First and last, destroy the old gods and the idols.  Don’t even try to learn about them; just get rid of them!  Moses reminds them of the offerings detailed in Leviticus, and again warns of the significance of the blood.  The chapter closes with a solemn warning.  Don’t add to or diminish from the commandments!

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

As THE BURNT OFFERING – Deut.12:16(Ephesians 5:2, Hebrews10:10, 12)

 

TODAY’S READING: DEUTERONOMY 5-8

 

OVERVIEW:

Ten Commandments; Greatest Commandment; Instructions for New Homes; Instruction for New Land; Remember the Lord

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

Moses starts his second sermon with a showstopper!  God’s covenant was not just to the fathers; it continues to the new generation (vs. 3).  This isn’t just history.  God’s Word, the Great Commandment, the Great Commission, the Epistles are not just for the original audience; God speaks to those who are here alive this day.  He is pursuing us as we pursue Him!

 

Chapter 5 retells the Ten Commandments and how they were received in Exodus 20.  The people say they will keep the commandments, and the Lord (vs. 29) emphasizes that fearing and keeping His commandments comes from the heart.  Even in the Old Testament, outward appearance was not enough.  The Lord Jesus Christ quotes Deuteronomy 6:5 as the greatest commandment.  As previously mentioned, the love between God and His children is mentioned 20 times throughout Deuteronomy.

 

And now, just as God leads and teaches His children, Moses instructs the children ofIsraelto teach in their homes.  Teaching in the homes goes hand in hand with public preaching and instruction.  The Word of God is to be prominent in the home.  Four distinct opportunities are to be used to teach children:

 

1. When you are sitting in your house.
2. When you are in the way (driving).
3. When you go to bed.
4. When you get up in the morning.

 

Still today, these can be the greatest times of instruction, meditation or prayer.  Not surprisingly, these are the times, which that the world and its clamor, try to take from us.  Seek to reclaim this time for the Lord and your children.

 

Moses completes this chapter with warnings to not forget the Lord when you are comfortable in your house.  Keep the law diligently.  Moses reminds them: “He brought us out ofEgyptso that He could bring us in to a new land.”

 

Chapters 7 and 8 deal with the land.  The Lord promised in Exodus 3:17 that He would drive out nations and give the land to the children ofIsrael.  Now they are reminded of the promise, the power of the Lord overEgypt, and His provision on the journey.  The Lord promises to continue to deliver the land and provide for them.  God will deliver, they are to destroy.  Do not make covenants with those nations.  Do not marry their sons and daughters.  Destroy their idols and images.  II Corinthians 6:17 and 18 says:  “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you, And I will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”

 

Just a little sidenote (I won’t charge for this!) to store away is in chapter 8 verse 2.  God tells the nation ofIsraelthat He took them through the wilderness to humble them and to prove them.  The hard times exposed what was in their heart!  Even the Lord Jesus Christ quotes from this passage during His time of testing.  God provides for all of our needs and exposes our hearts in time of need.  Don’t ever lose sight of that!

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

As THE EVERLASTING COVENANT – Deut. 5:2 (Hebrews 13:20, 21, John 3:16, 5:24, 6:47) As MEDIATOR – Deut. 5:5 (I Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 8:6) As WELL-PLEASING – Deut. 6:18 (Matthew 3:17; 17:5; Luke 3:22) As CALLED OUT OF EGYPT – Deut. 6:21 (Matthew 2:13-15) As ONE WHO WILL SMITE THE NATIONS – Deut. 7:2 (Revelation 19:15) As REDEEMER – Deut. 7:8 (Romans 3:24; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 9:12) As ONE WHO WILL REPAY FACE TO FACE – Deut. 7:10 (Revelation 1:7)

TODAY’S READING: DEUTERONOMY 1-4

 

OVERVIEW:

Moses’ history lesson: From the Ten Commandments to the spies; the wilderness; the nations avoided; the nations conquered; Joshua charged to be the next leader; the people compelled to heed God’s Word.

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

Nearly 41 years have passed since Moses led the children ofIsraelout of thelandofEgypt.  A journey of eleven days has taken over 38 years because of unbelief and disobedience.  Now Moses speaks to a new generation preparing to enter a new land. The first three chapters are a history lesson: Remember what happened to your fathers!  

 

Deuteronomy 1:6 begins the story.  The Lord told Moses to leave Horeb (Mt.Sinai) and prepare to enter the land promised to their fathers.  The commandments had been received; the Tabernacle had been built and the Lord was providing daily food.  But during the eleven-day journey, the murmuring of the people causes Moses to say he cannot bear the people alone.  Seventy wise and understanding men are chosen to be rulers.  Judges of the people are to judge righteously with no respect of persons.

 

Soon, the children ofIsraelstand at the mountain of decision.  The conflict is always the same: our will vs. Gods Word.  Verses 20 and 21 give the promise of the Lord of the Universe.  However, verse 26 is the response.  Deuteronomy1:27through 2:3 is the sad result.  No one from 20 years old and up will enter into the Promised Land except Joshua and Caleb.  The last of chapter 1 reminds us that the land of blessing and rest could only come from the Lord.  Human strength and will, cannot gain what is lost by disobedience.

 

Chapter 2 verses 4 through 23 continue the journey through the land of three nations that the Lord will not allow the children ofIsraelto fight.  Though these are later enemies ofIsrael, the Lord has promised these lands toLotand Esau (vs. 5, 9, 19).  In verse 7, Moses reminds the new generation that the Lord was blessing them even in the wilderness.  But now, in verse 16, the old generation is gone; it is time to move forward.

 

The battles begin. As the children ofIsraeltravel upward on the east side of theDead Seaand theJordan, two nations must be conquered.  Sihon (warrior), the king of Heshbon (strongholds) is the first battle.  The Lord gives the victory to the children ofIsraelas He promised.  Likewise, II Corinthians 10:3-5 reminds us that the Lord gives victory in our spiritual battles against strongholds of the enemy.

 

The history lesson ends with the division of the conquered land and the charge to Joshua.  Joshua is to remember the deliverance of the Lord and not fear as he leads the children ofIsraelinto the Promised Land.  Moses is told again that he cannot enter the land.  With this, we are reminded that the Law (Moses) can never bring us into the land of blessing and rest; only Jesus (Joshua) can (John1:17).

 

Chapter 4, verse 1, gives the reason for chapters 1-3.  Hear and do.  If the new generation will hear and follow, the Lord will give them life and a place to live.  Don’t add to or take away from the Word of the Lord.  Take heed and keep thy soul diligently.  Teach your sons and grandsons.

 

The Lord reveals new insights of Himself in verses 14 through the end of the chapter.  When the Ten Commandments were given, God did not reveal Himself visibly so no graven images could be made.  We are to walk by faith not by sight (II Corinthians 5:7); “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans10:17).  Further warnings are given regarding worshipping any image, sun, moon or stars.

 

Compare verses 24 and 31.  The Lord thy God is a consuming fire and a merciful God.  God will bring judgment for evil, but is full of forgiveness.

 

And now the most miraculous revelation of all: God chose these people because of love.  Verses 35 and 39 reveal that there is no other God beside the Lord, but right in the middle of these verses, God reveals that He loves people.  Though Gods love for his people has been demonstrated from the very beginning of the Bible, this is the first time that God’s love is actually expressed to His children.  In Deuteronomy, the love between God and His children is mentioned over 20 times.  Moses closes his message to the new generation with the new message of God’s love.

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

As THE RIGHTEOUS JUDGE – Deut.1:17(II Timothy 4:8)

As DELIVERER – Deut. 1:30, 2:33, 3:3 (Romans 8:21; Galatians 1:4) As THE FAITHFUL ONE – Deut. 2:9, 12, 19 (I Corinthians 10:13; II Thessalonians 3:3; I John 1:9) As TEACHER – Deut. 4:14 (John 8:28) As THE ONE TRUE GOD – Deut. 4:35, 39 (John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Colossians 2:9) As THE LOVER OF MEN – Deut. 4:37 (John 15:13; Titus 3:4, 5)

TODAY’S READING: NUMBERS 33-36

 

OVERVIEW:

A summary ofIsrael’s 40 years in the wilderness; the dividing of thelandofCanaan; the inheritance of the Levites; the cities of refuge; the laws concerning female inheritance within the patriarchal tribe.

 

HIGHLIGHTS & INSIGHTS:

In chapter 33, God provides us with a summary ofIsrael’s journeys fromEgyptto theJordan.  Note God’s stern warning in 33:55 – “But if ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you; then it shall come to pass, that those which ye let remain of them shall be pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell.”  In the New Testament equivalent, God is picturing the fact that living in the fullness of victory, He has designed in Christ (i.e. Canaan), is dependent upon us overcoming “every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us” (Heb. 12:1).  Any area of our flesh that we refuse to deal with will become pricks in our eyes, and thorns in our sides, and shall vex us in our walk with Christ.

 

In chapter 34, God caused the children ofIsraelto look ahead to the time when they would possessCanaan, as He assigned to each tribe the portion of their inheritance in the land.  The Levites were also assigned their special cities; and most of all, the cities of refuge are defined in chapter 35.  We will talk further about the cities of refuge as we move into the Book of Joshua, but do note some beautiful pictures of Christ, to Whom we “have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us” (Heb. 6:18).

 

Note some of the beautiful pictures of Christ seen in these cities:

 

1. THEY WERE APPOINTED BY GOD, NOT MOSES.  Moses did not choose these cities, picturing the fact that the Law (Moses) cannot save anyone.  Just as these cities were       appointed by God, as an act of His grace, to be shelter or refuge from judgment, so Christ, as an act of God’s grace (John 3:16), was appointed by God to be our shelter of refuge from the judgment of sin (John 1:29).

 

2. THEY WERE ANNOUNCED BY GOD IN HIS WORD.  The six cities are specifically named in Joshua 20:7-8, and could never be changed.  There were other cities that were      larger and more prominent, but none of them could shelter the sinner.  God has also specifically named Christ as the one and only shelter from sin, though many of the world’s religions are larger or more prominent.  God’s Refuge, Christ will never       change, based on the authority of His Word (John 4:6; Acts4:12).

 

3. THEY WERE ACCESSIBLE TO ALL MEN.  The six cities were arranged by God so that no tribe was very far away from the place of safety.  They were all very accessible.  We are told by the rabbis that there were signposts that pointed the way to the cities of refuge, and that the gates of these cities were never shut.  God has made Christ accessible to all men, even children (Matt. 18:3).  The Holy Spirit is given to point men to Christ (John16:13-14), and all who come, will find His gates open wide (John6:37)!

 

4. THE GUILTY HAD TO APPROPRIATE GOD’S PROVISION TO ESCAPE      PUNISHMENT.  It wasn’t enough to know that the cities of refuge existed, or even to believe that they could provide refuge from judgment.  The guilty had to actually enter in to the city.  So, it is not enough that a sinner believe that Christ, as God, existed, or       even that they believe that He is God’s Refuge from the judgment of sin; He must be “IN CHRIST”  (II Cor.5:17).

 

CHRIST IS REVEALED:

In the PROMISED LAND – Num. 33:50-54 (Note that the Promised Land was filled with abundance and protection for those who took God at His Word) – John10:10– Jesus said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

 

In the CITIES OF REFUGE – Num. 35 (Heb.6:18-20 – Christ is our Refuge from the judgment of God and the curse of the Law.)

 

In the INHERITANCE of the children ofIsrael– Num. 36:7 (Eph.1:10-11)