Our background photo for today shows a gate leading from one pasture … to another pasture. But, as you can tell, it is a long way off. Barbed wire is prominent in the foreground of our background photo.
The people of Israel had rejected the fabulous land God promised to give them. As a result, God told them they would not be allowed to enter the fabulous land. Rather, they would stay right where they were at, wandering around the wilderness “pasture” for 40 years.
It was their own fault. They were reaping the consequences of their own disobedience. They were miserable and unhappy. They tried to find a way out of the wilderness “pasture” … into greener “pasture” … but God’s “barbed wire” blocked their attempts.
Finally … after 40 long years … it is at last time to pass through the gate into the beautiful green “pasture.”
The book of Deuteronomy is written to an entirely new generation. This new generation has only ever known a life of wandering around the wilderness “pasture.” They know nothing of being mistreated as slaves. They have not experienced God’s power of delivering them out of oppression. They do not have any memories of God giving them His special instructions for worship.
It is important to remember the great things God has done! So, in the book of Deuteronomy, Moses teaches this new generation.
In Deuteronomy 6:4-5 Moses tells this new generation: “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”
Moses further instructs this new generation: “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” – Deuteronomy 6:6-7
* God wants this new generation to always remember that He alone is God! He is the one and only God!
* God wants this new generation to remember that disobedience will result in consequences. Obedience will result in blessings!
* God wants this new generation to remember that the land belongs to them! Possess it!
In Deuteronomy 18:15 Moses tells the people: “The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers.” This is a direct reference to Jesus Christ! Moses himself is a picture representing Jesus Christ. [this is reiterated by Peter in his sermon (Acts 3:18-23), as well as Stephen in his sermon (Acts 7:37)]
Although we might be several thousand generations removed from the original recipients of Deuteronomy, Deuteronomy’s words still call out to us today:
* God alone is God! He is the one and only God!
* Disobedience to God will result in consequences. Obedience to God will result in blessings.
* God has sent a prophet to us … Jesus Christ. Listen to Him! Turn to Him! And be saved.
