Day 73

Read: Deuteronomy 6:1 – 9:29

Today’s reading calls for total devotion to God. Moses urges Israel to love God wholeheartedly, teach His laws diligently to future generations, and remember His grace rather than their own righteousness. As Moses prepares the people to enter the Promised Land, he knows their greatest threat isn’t the inhabitants of the land, but the temptation to forget God once they are comfortable.

Deuteronomy 6:4-5 is also known as The Shema. In Hebrew “shema” means “hear.” This passage is important and expresses the uniqueness as well as the unity of God. The word “one” from this passage implies unity made up of several parts, and this oneness is seen in the Christian doctrine of the Trinity. By believing this confession, the people of Israel would guard themselves against idolatry. Yahweh was affirmed as the one true God and identified as Israel’s God.

Chapter 6 also focuses on how important God’s commands are and that the nation of Israel should do everything possible to remember these commands and to incorporate them into everyday life. The spiritual education of the children was the responsibility of the parent and the teaching would take place daily through the example of the parents as well as through the repetition of the law. This was more than just teaching the facts of the law; it was to be the demonstration of a lifestyle woven into the tapestry of everyday life. Our obedience to God is not meant to be robotic or a fear-based checklist. It is meant to be a response to His grace and love. We are called to teach these truths diligently to the next generation during the mundane moments of walking, sitting, lying down and rising.
How can I share a truth about God with a child, friend, or coworker this week?

Our children learn to love God more from observing our love for Him than from our lectures.

Deuteronomy 6:20-25 is special because if parents keep the commands of the Lord, questions of this nature would likely arise out of curiosity of the child/children and it is important not to ignore the questions but to answer them in a complete manner.

God already knew what was in the hearts of the Israelites, that’s why in chapters 7-9 Moses reminds the people:

• The blessings of God, including good health, were contingent on the obedience of Israel.
• God allowed the Israelites to see their true nature through testing:
  • the wilderness wandering taught the people to depend on God – being humbled, they were able to see their insufficiency and constant need for Yahweh
• Every provision in life is a result of the grace of God. Even the ability to produce their own shelter, food, and clothing.
• The destruction of the Anakim (giants), was assured because the Lord would destroy them. The Israelites were merely participants and the victory belonged to the Lord.
• At each place listed in Deuteronomy 9:22, the people complained and murmured – this showed lack of faith in God.

Moses warned against spiritual pride in Chapter 9. The Israelites could easily become proud if they thought their own righteousness had led the Lord to dispossess the Canaanites. The reason for the destruction was actually twofold: the wicked enemies were under judgment of God and the Lord is faithful to the covenant that He swore to the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob).
When you see the fruits of your labor, intentionally thank God for what He has provided, rather than taking credit for it yourself.

Prayer:

Lord thank You for Your faithfulness even when I have been stiff-necked, just like Israel in the wilderness. Let my love for You not be superficial, but ingrained in my heart Teach me to love You with all my heart, soul, and strength. May my life and words show my family and community Your goodness. Amen.