August 2 -- "The Shadow of the Almighty"

Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 34 & Psalm 91

"The Shadow of the Almighty"

The “Midrash,” an ancient Jewish commentary on Hebrew Scriptures states that Psalm 91 was composed by Moses on the day he completed the building of the Tabernacle in the desert.

In this Psalm, Moses paints a fabulous picture of what it means to find God’s protection in the midst of danger.  The Psalm list various threats that faced the Israelites as they traveled for 40 years through the hot middle-eastern desert. 

Among these threats were the snare of the fowler (V3), deadly pestilence (V3), plague (V10), terror of the night (V5), arrows at night (V5) the lion, (V12) and the adder – a venomous snake (V12).  Moses’ key point in this Psalm is that it doesn’t matter what dangers or threats come upon you, God’s protecting power is greater than them all!

We can apply this Psalm as a symbol of the Christian journey. Similar to the Israelites in the wilderness, a Christian is certainly a “stranger and pilgrim” (1 Peter 2:11) traveling through a dangerous place towards our heavenly home.  On this journey, our enemy (Satan) will repeatedly assault us with various spiritual threats.  In 1 Peter 5, Satan is described as a “roaring lion” and in Genesis 1 as a “serpent.”  All along our journey, this enemy is seeking to destroy us by attempting to strike us with threats on all sides.  His goal: to prevent us from entering God’s eternal kingdom.

But Satan is no match for the Almighty LORD of Lords!  And here in this Psalm, God promises that those who turn to Him for protection and shelter will be kept from all these dangers. Psalm 91 goes on to say of the LORD, that He will deliver you (V3), He will cover you (V4), and He will command His angels to guard you (V11).  These are powerful promises of God’s mighty protection.

The imagery of dwelling in the shadow of the Almighty suggests being in close proximity to God's divine presence, finding safety, security, and protection under His care. It implies that those who seek refuge in God and remain close to Him will experience His divine protection and provision.

There is a “catch” though.  To receive God’s mighty protection, you must dwell in His shelter, abide in His shadow, trust in Him, know His name, and “hold fast” to Him in love (V14). You must intentionally make the LORD your “dwelling place” (V9).  If you do, there is not a single danger or threat from your enemy that will have any power over you!  In the same way that stepping out of the sun into a nearby shadow can save a weary, sunburned desert traveler from destruction, we must step out of Satan’s dark shadows and get ourselves under the “shadow of the Almighty”!

August 1 -- "The Everlasting Arms"

 Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 33

"The Everlasting Arms"

The first phrase of this verse mentions the “eternal” God.  The next part talks about His “everlasting” arms.  These two terms are nearly synonymous, but in the original Hebrew language have a slight variation in meaning.

“Eternal” (Hebrew: עַד, ad) means without beginning and without ending and refers to something that always was and always will be.  God is eternal.  God Is infinite – He is Self-Existing, Without Origin. He has always been and will always be.  He is without beginning and without end.

“Everlasting” (Hebrew: עוֹלָם, olam) on the other hand speaks of what will be in the future.  It means to last forever.  It emphasizes an unbounded duration, going beyond the limitations of time and space. It denotes a state of being continual, infinite, or unending. Our God is both eternal and everlasting.

God’s arms are everlasting.  Does God have arms? Actually, our Heavenly Father is an invisible Spirit who has no physical body – “God is Spirit” (John 4:24).  Although He has no body, the Bible often refers to Him using the physical characteristics of human beings such as His face, eyes, nose, hands, and feet as a means of communicating aspects of Him in a way that we can relate to.  In the Bible, the “arm of the Lord” is a vivid image of God’s saving power. The picture suggests a little child, wrapped up in the strong arms of a father who is able to withstand all storms and dangers.  As an expression of his love and protection, a father puts his arm around his child when it is in danger. His arms are strong and safe.

Not only do the arms of God embrace His child—but they are always underneath. That means that we can never sink—for these arms will always be beneath us, wherever we may be found. Sometimes we say the waters of trouble are very deep; like great floods they roll over us. But still and forever, underneath the deepest floods—are these everlasting arms. We cannot sink below them—or out of their clasp!

In the great hymn, Leaning on the Everlasting Arms, we sing these words: “What a fellowship, what a joy divine, Leaning on the everlasting arms; What a blessedness, what a peace is mine, Leaning on the everlasting arms.”  So lean - dear child of God.  His arms are strong.  His arms endure forever.  He is your hiding place and refuge.  Lean on His everlasting arms.  Don’t be afraid to let go because His everlasting arms are underneath you and will keep you from falling.

July 31 -- "There is None Other"

 Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 32:30-52

"There is None Other"

In the first nineteen verses of this chapter, Moses is speaking as he recites his song for the people.  He refers to God as “He,” “Him,” and “His.”  But then - in verse twenty – Moses turns the “microphone” over to God and begins to record what the LORD has to say.  From this verse on, the personal pronouns “I,” “Me,” and “My” are used to indicate that God is speaking directly to the people.

He speaks very soberly about those who had forsaken Him and followed after other so-called “gods” (who are not really gods at all).  They turned away from the true and living God and turned to “gods” they did not know.  He charges them with forgetting “the God who fathered you.”  He then goes on to elaborate on the consequences they will face for forsaking Him and turning after these fake “gods.”  I will hide My face from you.  I will provoke you to jealousy. I will heap disasters on you. I will judge you. 

The LORD is grieving deeply. He laments their departure with very sad words. He is so longing for them to be wise and understand.  They need to consider their “latter end.”  It breaks His heart that they would so soon turn away from the One who fathered them and protected them and showed them His glory and power.  You can almost hear God’s voice cracking as He weeps over His unfaithful people.

He brings His words to a resounding climax in verse 39, where He declares, “Now see that I, even I, am He, and there is no god besides me.”  There’s not much else one can say after that statement. The LORD, YHWH, Jehovah is the ONLY ONE who is Omniscient, Omnipresent, and Omnipotent.  He alone is Infinite, Immutable, and Self-Sustaining.  He is a Being so superior to any other being that nothing or no one greater than Him exists or ever could exist.  He, alone is Light.  He, alone is Love. He alone is our Protector, Provider, and Guide. He is the only One who has offered salvation to those who trust in Him.  And He alone offers His love and grace to us if we will but forsake our false gods and follow Him alone.

July 30 -- "He is the Rock"

 Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 32:1-29

"He is the Rock"

Moses is now an old man.  He has lived a long, very hard life.  And he has learned a lot about the LORD, his God during his lifetime.  As he nears his last few hours on earth, he sits down to write a song.  A song about this God he has met and followed. He gathers the people together and recites the words of this song to them.  Today, we call it “The Song of Moses.”

The lyrics of this song paint an amazing picture of who God is, what He has taught the people, and how the people of God should move forward without Moses.  He reminds them of the character of God and the corruption of humanity – exhorting them to remember the great power and kindness of God.  Being aware of the people’s tendency to rebel against God, Moses left with them with this song that he wanted everyone to take to heart. The song reminded the people of God’s loving care for them and of the need for faithfulness on their part towards Him.

It is important to note that Moses refers to God as “The Rock” at least five times in this song. Not just “a” rock, but “THE” Rock.  By one count, the LORD is called “The Rock” some 59 times in the Bible, with Psalm 18:2 being perhaps the most well-known verse, “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

The metaphor of The Rock points to God being strong, solid, steadfast, and consistent, not easily moved or shaken and a refuge for those in need.  To the Israelites, a rock spoke to them as a place of safety and security.  A place to hide from danger.  A rock can provide security, a "fortress" and place of "protection.”  They were well aware that the best place to hide from their enemies was in and amongst the solid protection of a rock.  The expression evokes vivid imagery and a sense of security. God is a trustworthy, rock-solid Savior.  Moses tells them that this same Rock who has brought you this far, will continue to be your Rock as you move forward.  Hide in Him.  Seek safety in His strength. 

Later on, Jesus would build on this imagery and teach that those who listened to His teachings and applied them to their lives were like those who build their house on a rock – a solid foundation.  There are dangers and hazards all around.  Don’t build your life exposed to these hazards.  Build your life on the strong, solid, steadfast, and consistent Rock of your salvation.  This same Rock who has brought you this far, will continue to be your Rock as you move forward in Him.

July 29 -- "The Lord Our Trailblazer"

 Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 31

"The Lord Our Trailblazer"

Knowing he had only a few more days to live, Moses hands over the leadership of Israel to his divinely appointed successor, Joshua. He reminds both Joshua and the people that fearless commitment to the task ahead, combined with total trust in God, would guarantee victory and possession of the Promised Land.

It is important to note that Moses represents the Law.  As the one who is representing the law he could only bring them to the edge of the Promised Land. He could not take them in. It is the same for you and me.   Neither laws, nor rules, nor religion can take you and I into the full blessings of God. Grace must do that. The law could only bring them to the border of the land. Now it's up to Joshua to take them in. And so, it's typical of our lives: the law cannot bring you into that glorious rich life in the Spirit. At best, it can only bring you to the edge of it, but by grace and faith we must enter in.

The glorious news is that the LORD is our Divine Trailblazer - the LORD is going to go before you. The dictionary defines “trailblazer” as someone who leads the way for others to follow through unsettled country or wilderness; a pathfinder.  A trailblazer recognizes the safest and most efficient path to take to get to the destination.  He looks out for hazards and potential “dead ends.”  He keeps his followers from danger and getting lost.  In the same way, our God knows the route we must take into the full blessings of the Christian life. If we will but follow His lead, He will go before us.  It is His job to direct our path.  It is His job to drive out our enemies.  It is His job to bring us to the fullness of joy.

Moses goes on to remind the people that their Trailblazer will never leave them or forsake them.  Unlike some human leaders who may abandon their post at the earliest sign of trouble, your Mighty God will never leave you nor forsake you.  He is with you all the way.  God will never leave those who are His.  In a world that is constantly changing and where people are constantly leaving, whether in a family, relationship, or in death, God’s promise of never leaving is so encouraging.  The task ahead of taking the Promised Land may seem impossible, but with the LORD, nothing is impossible.

It is tempting to become fearful and dismayed when we are faced with a big challenge.  But, when we acknowledge our Great Trailblazer, the fear will melt away.  Because He is with us and will never leave us.  So, trudge on great soldier!  Take the land!

July 28 -- "The Secret Things of God"

 Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 29 & 30

"The Secret Things of God"

God is unlike anything or anyone we could ever know or imagine. He is one of a kind, unique and without comparison. Even describing Him with mere words truly falls short of capturing who He is – our words simply cannot do justice to describe an indescribable Being.  While it is impossible for us to fully comprehend all there is to know about God, we are told here that God has revealed certain “secrets” to humankind.

Think about it. If God did not reveal Himself to us, we would really know very little about Him.  Sure, we would know He exists because of the wonders of His creation.  We would know of His power by what He has done in our universe.  But we wouldn’t know anything about His character, personality, or attributes unless He reveals those secrets to us.  And, worst of all, we would have no idea about what He requires of us.

What do you call a secret that's been revealed? News. And what do you call a secret about God that has been revealed? Good News!

The Good News is, He has revealed secret things to us and they “belong to us and our children forever.”  God certainly has not revealed everything about Himself to us, but He has revealed enough for us to make sense of Him, to know what He is like, and to discover what we must do to live in a way that is pleasing to Him. “For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that required for life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence.”  (2 Peter 1:3)

There are many secrets that still belong to the Lord our God, and one day we will discover more of those secrets.  But for now, we have all we need to “do all the words of this law” and to live lives of power and grace and that are ultimately pleasing to Him.  Take a moment to reflect on all that God has revealed about who He is and what He requires of you.  Then take those “secrets” and begin to live them to the fullest in all faith and godliness. 

July 27 -- "Bewildered Nations"

 Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 28:36-68

"Bewildered Nations"

We have just learned that any nation which devotes itself to honoring and fearing the God of the Bible will be blessed with prosperity and success. In contrast to the enormous blessings for obedience which Moses laid out in the first half of this chapter, now he turns to the consequences for disobedience.  Obedience, he told them, would culminate in blessings.  Disobedience will conclude with consequences and cursings.

Obey and be blessed in your cities - disobey and you will be cursed in your cities.  Obey and your children will be blessed - disobey and the fruit of your body will be cursed.  Obey and your crops and herds will be plentiful – disobey and your crops and herds will diminish.  Obey and your enemies will be defeated – disobey and you will be defeated. 

Moses explains in verse 37, that one of the consequences of their obedience will be reflected in their reputation and respect among the other nations of the world.  In verse 10, Moses tells them that their obedience will result in “all the peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the LORD, and they shall be afraid of you.”  Today, we might refer to this as “peace through strength.”  The other nations would be foolish and reckless to attack a nation with the visible strength of God shining upon them. In reality, this is “peace through obedience.”  No nation would dare come against the hand of God.

On the other hand, one of the consequences of their disobedience will be reflected in their disgrace and disrespect among the other nations of the world. The people around them will look and see a nation in disorder and weakness.  Moses tells them they will become “an object of horror, ridicule, and mockery” among those nations.  The word “horror” could be translated “astonishment” or “bewilderment.”  The people of the earth will be bewildered by Israel’s folly.  They will look and shake their head at the senseless failure of a nation which had – at one time – been the most blessed people of the world.  They will ridicule.  They will mock.  They will shake their head and say, “Fools!  You had everything and you let it slip out of your hands.”

Any nation which devotes itself to honoring and fearing the God of the Bible will be blessed with prosperity and success.  But if that nation ever turns its back on the LORD and begins down a path of disobedience and rebellion to God’s ways, it will become an object of astonishment, ridicule, and mockery among the other nations of the world.  If our nation completes its downward slide away from God’s commands, we too will be mocked and it will be said of us, “Fools!  You had everything and you let it slip out of your hands.”  I pray it is not so. And I exhort you to pray the same.