However much Moses was gifted in his service to God, he certainly would have earned the titled: Public Speaker Extraordinaire. Here we have the aged prophet addressing the people of Israel in the land of Moab, heading toward the Promised Land. By this time, Israel’s leader is no doubt beyond weary of delivering the same old message, lamenting Israel’s lack of backbone and faith in the face of difficulties. Having been with them for 40 years of desert wandering as well as the toil and oppression of Egypt before that, He knew that though they were a chosen people, they were a stubborn people. Their wicked idolatry, foolish disregard for God’ Word, and moral weakness were the themes for a number of “chats” he’s had to have with them.
But is it really any different with us today? How often does the world trip us up, sending us headlong into some sin we’ve fallen into way too many times? We know the foibles of our flesh. We’ve replayed our favorite sins time and time again. Distracted by the world and its blinking lights and buzzers it’s easy to get lost along the way. I, for one, am nothing short of a master when it comes to seeing the train wreck coming and still not getting out of the way.
But God is ever patient, ever willing to give His people the good life, a life that draws its strength and sustenance from following Him. And for us—unlike the children of Israel—it’s no longer about waiting for the promise: Jesus has come. He has walked among us, giving us His life, taking our sins to the cross. And then He sealed the deal. He rose from the dead three days later—victorious over Satan and the grave.
THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, by Your grace we choose life; we choose the path that’s narrow and full of love and joy. Lead us ever onward. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Paul Schreiber.
Reflection Questions:
1. How different is your life today from how you pictured it growing up?
2. What kind of life do you think God would have you live?
3. Is there anybody in your life whom you’ve given permission to speak frankly to you about how you’re doing and the decisions you make? Would it help if there was?