Deuteronomy! Moses’ recap of everything from Exodus to Numbers. While those books contained much of God talking to Moses, Deuteronomy is Moses talking to Israel’s second generation. This is the generation that will inherit the Promised Land! In many ways, Moses is giving his last sermon, chock-full of goodness and warning! Chapter two, verse seven, stood out to me this morning.
For the Lord your God has blessed you in everything you have done. He has watched your every step through this great wilderness. During these forty years, the Lord your God has been with you, and you have lacked nothing.” ’ (Deuteronomy 2:7, NLT)
This second generation did not get to grow up in the Promised Land because of their parent’s unbelief. Had their parents trusted God, they would have grown up in a conquering and victorious environment. Instead, they grew up wandering, waiting for that generation to pass away in God’s judgment. Talk about a less-than-ideal situation! Moses reminds them that though they suffered because of the sins of others, God blessed them! He watched over their every step! He was with them, and they lacked nothing! Wow! What a God, even though this second generation wasn’t perfect either!
What a truth for us! This whole world is in a sad state of suffering and death because of sin. It began with the sins of others, Adam and Eve. We, too, have sinned and contributed to this “less-than-ideal” situation. The fact is, we all come from “less-than-ideal” situations.
But God!
But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:4–7, NLT)
Though we all come from the worst possible situation imaginable, which is to be dead in sin, God’s grace raises us to the best possible standing, which is beyond imagination. Believer, rejoice! Your past has no bearing on the impact of God’s grace on your future! By faith, live in victory over sin, the flesh, and this world; God has blessed you! He watches over your steps! He is with you! You lack nothing in Christ!
But God!
Today’s chronological reading: Deuteronomy 1-2
Want to use this in a family or small group setting? Below are some discussion points to get you started. Enjoy!
- What is the significance of Deuteronomy being Moses’ last sermon to Israel’s second generation?
- How did the sins of the first generation affect the second generation? What lessons can we learn from this?
- What does Deuteronomy 2:7 teach us about God’s character and how he watches over us?
- How does Ephesians 2:4-7 help us understand God’s grace and impact on our lives?
- How can we apply the truths from Deuteronomy and Ephesians to our lives today?