GOD'S WORLD GOES ON AND ON

Sometime around 1407 BC at the east side of the Jordan River, in view of the Promised Land or Canaan, Moses wrote the book of Deuteronomy. Now, I suspect that you might have been thinking that Moses had his fill of writing down the Acts of God.  I also suspect, because of my own lack of understanding, that at some time during the Exodus the people might have caught  on to what God was trying to do and they would have become God's people forever.  And, we might have been right if there had not been such a change in who was now to be taught!  Teaching which was done in the past does not necessarily become the accepted way of the future!  Think about our own families.  Each generation from the beginning needs to be re-taught.  Just because my mother and father knew how to read did not mean that I would automatically be able to read, want to read, or have to read.  I had to learn how to read for myself.  And the teachings of God were no different.  Therefore, Moses had to re-teach those who had earlier not yet been born about the wonders of the God who loved them enough to take them from slavery, which they would have had to endure, to a place where they would be free to love Him.  And so, He wrote down the  rules and laws God had given to the people to make their lives more meaningful and beautiful.  And since then, the Book of Deuteronomy tells the people of every generation the best way to live.


Let me quote from my bible's front page which introduces this important book:  "Moses prepared the sons and daughters of the faithless generation (those who did not know or understand who God is) to possess the new land.  After a brief history lesson emphasizing God's great acts on behalf of his people, Moses reviewed the law.  Then he restated the covenant--God's contract with his people."


It was hoped, that because the lessons Moses taught were clearly from God, based on what God had already done for the people, that Israel should also have hope and a willingness to follow God always.  Even more important, Moses knew that God expected the people to listen and obey, because of who God is and what He had already done for them.  It was extremely important to let the people know that God expressed his kindness in their lives, and all must then commit themselves in a new way to trust, love, and obey Him.


Moses' heart  beat for God alone.  He was often upset with the people.  But He was fed by God's grace.  He was not a perfect man; he made some very serious mistakes in his life.  But he lived for God, uprightly carrying out God's commands, sometimes failing, but always trying.


Moses inspires us to do what God desires for us.  I shall remember Moses and what he was called to do, and how much God loved him for doing his best.  Whatever it is God  asks of you or me, I pray we can live our lives in integrity and trust in Him.


Thanks, Moses, for your life.


Jo INMN