God Speaks
Moses Gives the Second Generation of the Israelites a History Lesson
Verse of the Day: [Any time there is an election, whether it is local, state or federal, we should consider Moses’ instruction to the Israelites.] “Choose some wise, understanding and respected men [people] from each of your tribes, and I will set them over you.” (Deuteronomy 1: 13)
This Bible Project link gives the viewer an animated sketch overview of the whole book of Deuteronomy: Watch: Deuteronomy Bible Book Overview Video | BibleProject™
Read or listen on BibleGateway.com
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We Respond
Reflection: Consider the following questions regarding Deuteronomy 1-2.
1. What does this chapter tell me about God?
2. What does this chapter tell me about the human beings He created?
Here is one possible answer to each of these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit if there are any others for you personally to ponder.
Deuteronomy 1
1. God will direct and lead people who trust and obey Him.
2. People are generally stubborn, fearful, and rebellious by nature, but they can overcome this by trusting and obeying the LORD God.
The Rational Bible: Deuteronomy by Dennis Prager, 2022, pages 1-21.
Deuteronomy 2
1. The LORD God is the one who sets up nations and people groups in their respective territories (particularly when they follow His plans and instructions).
2. People are meant to trust and obey God, but they are often fearful or stubborn and rebellious.
The Rational Bible: Deuteronomy by Dennis Prager, 2022, pages 23-32.
Prayer:
3. How might I pray regarding Deuteronomy 1-2?
Dear LORD God, please help me to say (think and do) all that You command me to say (think and do) and nothing that You don’t. You have given me this assignment; please enable me to carry it out. Jesus, You told us to occupy until You return; help us to do so. Please increase the descendants (by faith) of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob by thousands of times like the vast numbers of stars. Please give us discernment to elect or select well-respected men and women of wisdom, understanding, and maturity. May they take responsibility for their own words and actions as well as those of the people they serve. May judges be perfectly fair and impartial in their decisions. May they not be afraid of anyone’s anger. Guide their thinking so they make decisions that honor You and express what is right and good. May we as individuals and as a nation follow Your instructions in everything we do. May we fear You more than we fear anyone or anything else. Do not let us be afraid or discouraged. LORD, forgive us and heal us of our constant bickering, complaining, and obstinate rebellion based on fear. Instead, help Your people remember all that You have done for us and trust You completely. May Your Holy Spirit be our glowing nightlight and Your presence be our guiding cloud. May leaders from the younger generations be strong and very courageous like Caleb and Joshua. Please lead us (individually and collectively) to repentance, dependence (on You and Your ways), and obedience so that we can occupy the land that You have promised (here on earth now and in Heaven for eternity). Dear LORD God, who made me and who saved me, please help me to follow You closely and do whatever You say to do. You promise to direct me and provide all I need if I will trust and obey You. This is true no matter who I am, where I live or what color my skin is. LORD God, please help me to respect other people’s lives and property and to compensate them for what I use and/or thank them for all they do for me. May they do the same for me. Help me to be grateful (not complaining) to You and to other people. Especially, thank You, Jesus, for taking away the guilt of my sins and giving me Your righteousness and eternal life. I love You, LORD. AMEN
Action: (Ask God, the Holy Spirit, if He wants you to work on one of the suggestions below or something else more personal that He points out.)
4. What action does the LORD want me to take in response to Deuteronomy 1-2?
- I will investigate and vote for or hire people at every level of society who are wise, knowledgeable, and mature and who seek to follow God and His ways.
- I will seek to be wise, knowledgeable, and mature and to follow God and His ways in every area of my own life.
- I will compensate someone for letting me use their property or possessions.
- I will “pay it forward” by helping someone else who is in need.
Share: I plan to share what I’ve learned with __________.