Moses continues his second message, which began in Deuteronomy 5.
He’s like a coach delivering his last pre-game pep talk, or better, General Washington giving his Farewell to the Troops. In the words from today’s reading, Moses…
- Reminds them of the Lord’s miraculous wilderness care for them. Their clothing didn't wear out; their feet did not swell; their food was provided. (Deuteronomy 8:4) In another wilderness a millennium and a half later, Jesus would remember Moses’ words when the devil was tempting Him: “God fed you with manna to make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of the Father.” (Deuteronomy 8:3)
- Warns them against pride. “When you have gotten wealth and settled down in the Promised Land, Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power…has gotten me this wealth.’” (Deuteronomy 8:17) When you have driven the nations out of the Land, Do not say in your heart…’It was because of my righteousness that the Lord has brought me in.’” (Deuteronomy 9:4). To keep them humble, he reminds them of just how close they came to annihilation in the golden calf affair (Deuteronomy 9:13—10:11). It took two 40-day fasts for Moses to “change” God’s mind!
- Challenges them to circumcise their hearts. Deuteronomy 10:12-22 is one of the most beautiful and powerful exhortations in the Bible. It would be worth memorizing!
Nearly everything Moses says in these chapters is transferable to us. Remember, dear Church, the Lord’s care for you in your wilderness times. Watch out, dear brothers and sisters, for pride. Choose, dear people, a soft heart and an unshakable will to obey. In the strength of God’s Spirit, we can!
Until tomorrow,
Pastor Gary
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