February 18–Deuteronomy 3-4

“Now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and the judgements which I am teaching you to perform, so that you may live and go in and take possession of the land which the Lord, the God of your fathers is giving you. . .keep them and do them, for that is your wisdom and your understanding” (4:1, 6).

Our grandchildren laugh at the number of reading glasses Holly and I have in our home. It is a fact of life. As we age, eyesight often dims.

God compensates this loss for older saints. He gives Spiritual insight. As we seek Him, He uses years to help us see some things better than ever before. Spiritual things. Lasting things. True things.

In Deuteronomy 3-4, Moses is an old man. Months or weeks away from death, his heart is still vibrant and strong. His vision keen. If he is old but wise. With great love, he verbalizes what he sees.

God is great and strong! For all that Moses has experienced over the years (significant things, amazing things) he believes that He has only just begun to see the infinite majesty of God! “O Lord God, You have BEGUN to show Your servant Your greatness and Your strong hand”(3:24).

To walk with God in obedience is a unique and wonderful privilege! “Has anything been done like this great thing, or has anything been heard like it? Has any people heard the voice of God?” (4:7, 4:32-33). God births His people into direct, personal and living contact with Him. He speaks to us. He guides and protects us. How foolish we are to yearn to be like the world. “Make a king for us. We want to be like other nations,” the people will say in a later chapter. What a sad and familiar mistake it is to ignore the extraordinary privilege of His friendship.

The Lord’s anger is real! Painful truth. See 3: 23 and 4:21. Moses begged God to rescind the decision to forbid him entrance into the land promised. God’s answer was a firm “No”. As Moses searched for peace in God’s discipline, he came to understand that God was angry with him “on account” of the people (Hebrew, mah’an, purpose, intent). God’s discipline had two purposes. One purpose was to teach Moses. Another was to teach and warn Israel. Forgiveness is real. So, at times, are consequences.

Over the course of your days has God given you sight? Once blind, do you now see what you didn’t before? Will you speak what you see? Will you listen (see 4:1) when others (particularly the elders) speak their wisdom?

“As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, or if due to strength, eighty years, yet their pride is but labor and sorrow; for soon it is gone and we fly away. . .So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom” (Moses, Psalm 90:10, 12).

February 17–Deuteronomy 1-2

“These are the words which Moses spoke to all Israel across the Jordan in the wilderness” (Deuteronomy 1:1).

The English name for this book is taken from two Greek words. Deutero, “second”. Nomos, “law”. It is, “a second telling of the Law.”

This vibrant book contains three farewell addresses from Moses, delivered to a new generation of Israel as they stood looking into the promised land, and looking back on the lessons of the past. Like sermons, the words of Moses were aimed at the conscience of the nation. As the people stood on the threshold of a new chapter, their faithful leader reviewed their history and urged them to learn from it.

When the Bible says, “Be still and know that I am God”(Psalm 46:10), it is good for us to see two, separate commandments. The first requirement is to be still. Stop the anxious activity! Calm the constant and counterproductive chatter of your fearful heart! Get quiet! The second is to know God. As you reflect on God in stillness, He intends you to arrive at certain clear convictions. The wisdom you need for the present is revealed as you consider the past.

In Deuteronomy 1, Moses reminded the people how SLOW the process has been, how delayed and inefficient the path. Eleven days would have been sufficient to journey from Horeb (Sinai) to Kadesh-barnea. See 1:2. The trip had, instead, taken forty years! Take note, dear friend. Unbelief will never help you. It will not hasten your progress. It will only make the journey longer and harder.

Moses also reminded them of the times of their STUBBORNNESS. “You were not willing. . .but rebelled against the command of the Lord your God” (1:26). Sin brings consequences. God’s people need this reminder and warning.

Today, will you do a Deuteronomy-like thing? Will you think back over your own story with God? Honest, now. What have you learned of God over your years? Do you have a journal? Will you write your answer? What convictions and choices is the Spirit urging on you as a new chapter begins?

” The significance–and ultimately the quality–of the work we do is determined by our understanding of the story in which we are taking part”(Wendell Berry).

“So, remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent” (Revelation 3:3).

February 17–Deuteronomy 1-2

“These are the words which Moses spoke to all Israel across the Jordan in the wilderness” (Deuteronomy 1:1).

The English name for this book is taken from two Greek words. Deutero, “second”. Nomos, “law”. It is, “a second telling of the Law.”

This vibrant book contains three farewell addresses from Moses, delivered to a new generation of Israel as they stood looking into the promised land, and looking back on the lessons of the past. Like sermons, the words of Moses were aimed at the conscience of the nation. As the people stood on the threshold of a new chapter, their faithful leader reviewed their history and urged them to learn from it.

When the Bible says, “Be still and know that I am God”(Psalm 46:10), it is good for us to see two, separate commandments. The first requirement is to be still. Stop the anxious activity! Calm the constant and counterproductive chatter of your fearful heart! Get quiet! The second is to know God. As you reflect on God in stillness, He intends you to arrive at certain clear convictions. The wisdom you need for the present is revealed as you consider the past.

In Deuteronomy 1, Moses reminded the people how SLOW the process has been, how delayed and inefficient the path. Eleven days would have been sufficient to journey from Horeb (Sinai) to Kadesh-barnea. See 1:2. The trip had, instead, taken forty years! Take note, dear friend. Unbelief will never help you. It will not hasten your progress. It will only make the journey longer and harder.

Moses also reminded them of the times of their STUBBORNNESS. “You were not willing. . .but rebelled against the command of the Lord your God” (1:26). Sin brings consequences. God’s people need this reminder and warning.

Today, will you do a Deuteronomy-like thing? Will you think back over your own story with God? Honest, now. What have you learned of God over your years? Do you have a journal? Will you write your answer? What convictions and choices is the Spirit urging on you as a new chapter begins?

” The significance–and ultimately the quality–of the work we do is determined by our understanding of the story in which we are taking part”(Wendell Berry).

“So, remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent” (Revelation 3:3).

February 16–Numbers 33-36

“These are the journeys of the sons of Israel, by which they came out from the land of Egypt”(33:1).

It will be a journey. Was for Israel. Will be for us. One step, then another. Gradual. Cumulative. Inches of progress. Important. Eternal.

Strange, isn’t it? An eternal God uses time. He to whom time means nothing values its impact on us. He rarely accomplishes His purpose in a “miracle moment”. Uses, instead, a process to shape us. Teaches us the importance of patience and perseverance.

God commanded Moses to, “record their starting places according to their journeys.” See 33:2. Every place was to be remembered. Each lesson captured and treasured. Even the hard moments! Do I wish God’s lessons could come quicker? Yes! Are there some moments in the journey I would like to skip? Yes. A wiser mind sees each day as a GIFT. Even the slow and uncomfortable ones.

” ‘I am quite at a loss to know which way to turn,’ a person once said to his friend. ‘Then don’t turn at all,’ came the wise reply” (C. H. Mackintosh).

Friend, what is the Lord teaching you in this present chapter of your life? Do you realize that the Lord will want it recorded and remembered? That it is important to God and valuable to you? Will you embrace it with a patient and happy heart? At the end of life, in the great review that will eventually come, you will look back and see that the Lord was with you every step and every stop.

“Not all those who wander are lost”(J.R.R. Tolkein).

“There ain’t no journey what don’t change you some” (David Mitchell).

“Therefore, since we have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily besets us and let us run with patience the race set before us”(Hebrews 12:1).

February 16–Numbers 33-36

“These are the journeys of the sons of Israel, by which they came out from the land of Egypt”(33:1).

It will be a journey. Was for Israel. Will be for us. One step, then another. Gradual. Cumulative. Inches of progress. Important. Eternal.

Strange, isn’t it? An eternal God uses time. He to whom time means nothing values its impact on us. He rarely accomplishes His purpose in a “miracle moment”. Uses, instead, a process to shape us. Teaches us the importance of patience and perseverance.

God commanded Moses to, “record their starting places according to their journeys.” See 33:2. Every place was to be remembered. Each lesson captured and treasured. Even the hard moments! Do I wish God’s lessons could come quicker? Yes! Are there some moments in the journey I would like to skip? Yes. A wiser mind sees each day as a GIFT. Even the slow and uncomfortable ones.

” ‘I am quite at a loss to know which way to turn,’ a person once said to his friend. ‘Then don’t turn at all,’ came the wise reply” (C. H. Mackintosh).

Friend, what is the Lord teaching you in this present chapter of your life? Do you realize that the Lord will want it recorded and remembered? That it is important to God and valuable to you? Will you embrace it with a patient and happy heart? At the end of life, in the great review that will eventually come, you will look back and see that the Lord was with you every step and every stop.

“Not all those who wander are lost”(J.R.R. Tolkein).

“There ain’t no journey what don’t change you some” (David Mitchell).

“Therefore, since we have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily besets us and let us run with patience the race set before us”(Hebrews 12:1).

February 15-Numbers 30-32

“Arm men from among you for the war, that they may go against Midian to execute the Lord’s vengeance”(31:3).

Christ-followers are often called upon to defend the Sanctity of Human Life. Humans are made in God’s image with particular purpose and value to God. Life, therefore, is sacred.

Doing so, we must never set this principle against God, Himself. We must never propose human life as inviolate, must never claim that even God cannot righteously take life.

As both Creator and Judge, vengeance (even when it requires the sentence of death) is His right. Justice is part of His holiness. There is, “a time to kill,” says Ecclesiastes 3:3. Only God knows it.

In Numbers 31, Moses is given a divine assignment. Vengeance against Midian is God’s command. Like the decision to destroy the Canaanite cultures (Genesis 15:16), this solemn verdict came from God only after great patience. He is slow to anger, but does not leave the guilty unpunished. See Numbers 14:18.

Be careful here, dear friend. Moderns often turn away from God at this very place, preferring the wisdom of the secular age (humanism). In the New Testament, Scripture declares that GOD gives the sword to government. See Romans 13. (The sword is a symbol of the death sentence, either in justice or war.) The same picture appears again in Revelation 19:13-15. Christ comes with a sharp sword to slay the nations, and a robe dipped in blood.

The wrath of God is real and righteous, not a doctrine to be diluted or rejected in unbelief.

The idea/conversation of a “just war” is usually associated with Augustine. There are times, he reasoned, that war, while terrible, is the right and moral choice. Meeting certain criteria, guided by certain rules of conduct, motivated by right concerns, war is, at times, the permissive WILL of God.

Is it ever right to kill? Some say “no”. The Bible says “yes”. In a universe made by God, human rights are not the highest value. God’s name and holiness is! This being so, there are times, in the face of evil, war (or self-defense or capital punishment) can be an act of righteousness and courage.

“Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed”(Genesis 9:6).

” ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord” (Romans 12:19).

February 15-Numbers 30-32

“Arm men from among you for the war, that they may go against Midian to execute the Lord’s vengeance”(31:3).

Christ-followers are often called upon to defend the Sanctity of Human Life. Humans are made in God’s image with particular purpose and value to God. Life, therefore, is sacred.

Doing so, we must never set this principle against God, Himself. We must never propose human life as inviolate, must never claim that even God cannot righteously take life.

As both Creator and Judge, vengeance (even when it requires the sentence of death) is His right. Justice is part of His holiness. There is, “a time to kill,” says Ecclesiastes 3:3. Only God knows it.

In Numbers 31, Moses is given a divine assignment. Vengeance against Midian is God’s command. Like the decision to destroy the Canaanite cultures (Genesis 15:16), this solemn verdict came from God only after great patience. He is slow to anger, but does not leave the guilty unpunished. See Numbers 14:18.

Be careful here, dear friend. Moderns often turn away from God at this very place, preferring the wisdom of the secular age (humanism). In the New Testament, Scripture declares that GOD gives the sword to government. See Romans 13. (The sword is a symbol of the death sentence, either in justice or war.) The same picture appears again in Revelation 19:13-15. Christ comes with a sharp sword to slay the nations, and a robe dipped in blood.

The wrath of God is real and righteous, not a doctrine to be diluted or rejected in unbelief.

The idea/conversation of a “just war” is usually associated with Augustine. There are times, he reasoned, that war, while terrible, is the right and moral choice. Meeting certain criteria, guided by certain rules of conduct, motivated by right concerns, war is, at times, the permissive WILL of God.

Is it ever right to kill? Some say “no”. The Bible says “yes”. In a universe made by God, human rights are not the highest value. God’s name and holiness is! This being so, there are times, in the face of evil, war (or self-defense or capital punishment) can be an act of righteousness and courage.

“Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed”(Genesis 9:6).

” ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord” (Romans 12:19).

February 14–Numbers 27-29

“The Lord said to Moses, ‘Take Joshua. . .a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him. . .put some of your authority on him, in order that all the congregation. . .may obey him”(27:18,20).

Great changes were coming. The whole camp could feel it.

A plague had swept away the remaining members of the old guard. By Divine promise and protection, only Joshua and Caleb remained alive from the sinful generation. Miriam was dead. Aaron, too. A new census was being taken. Preparation for war. A new day was dawning for the people of God, a day of courage and challenge and opportunity.

The new day required a new leader. In love, God gives shepherds to His people. We are wise to receive them. At this moment, God reminded Moses (again) of his own impending death. Instructed him to commission Joshua. The old leader’s reaction was admirable. With very little personal grief, he participated in the calling and preparation of his successor.

Only part of Moses’ authority was to be transferred to the new young leader. No leader will be an exact replacement, nor is intended to be. Joshua will have what he needs to courageously serve, but he will be his own man, not a copy.

Great changes are ahead for us, too, dear one. New chapters of God’s beautiful, eternal story are still to be written in the world. The Lord is at work. Calling souls into His kingdom. Preparing for the great events still promised.

In His faithfulness, God is providing new leaders for these days. Do you embrace them? Do you view the coming days with confidence? Circumstances change. The purposes of God do not. With Christ as your unshifting foundation, will you surrender personal preference, the longing for things to be “like they used to be” and enthusiastically embrace all that is required of you in this season of His grace?

On Valentine’s Day, I must remember. My love toward God is best expressed by my willingness to stay with Him on the journey. I must get forward in faith!

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though mountains (people and things that we have depended on) slip into the heart of the sea”(Psalm 46:1-2).

“Where He leads me, I will follow. Where He leads me, I will follow. Where He leads me, I will follow. I’ll go with Him, with Him, all the way” (E. W. Blandly).

February 14–Numbers 27-29

“The Lord said to Moses, ‘Take Joshua. . .a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him. . .put some of your authority on him, in order that all the congregation. . .may obey him”(27:18,20).

Great changes were coming. The whole camp could feel it.

A plague had swept away the remaining members of the old guard. By Divine promise and protection, only Joshua and Caleb remained alive from the sinful generation. Miriam was dead. Aaron, too. A new census was being taken. Preparation for war. A new day was dawning for the people of God, a day of courage and challenge and opportunity.

The new day required a new leader. In love, God gives shepherds to His people. We are wise to receive them. At this moment, God reminded Moses (again) of his own impending death. Instructed him to commission Joshua. The old leader’s reaction was admirable. With very little personal grief, he participated in the calling and preparation of his successor.

Only part of Moses’ authority was to be transferred to the new young leader. No leader will be an exact replacement, nor is intended to be. Joshua will have what he needs to courageously serve, but he will be his own man, not a copy.

Great changes are ahead for us, too, dear one. New chapters of God’s beautiful, eternal story are still to be written in the world. The Lord is at work. Calling souls into His kingdom. Preparing for the great events still promised.

In His faithfulness, God is providing new leaders for these days. Do you embrace them? Do you view the coming days with confidence? Circumstances change. The purposes of God do not. With Christ as your unshifting foundation, will you surrender personal preference, the longing for things to be “like they used to be” and enthusiastically embrace all that is required of you in this season of His grace?

On Valentine’s Day, I must remember. My love toward God is best expressed by my willingness to stay with Him on the journey. I must get forward in faith!

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though mountains (people and things that we have depended on) slip into the heart of the sea”(Psalm 46:1-2).

“Where He leads me, I will follow. Where He leads me, I will follow. Where He leads me, I will follow. I’ll go with Him, with Him, all the way” (E. W. Blandly).

February 13–Numbers 24-26

“Forsaking the right way, they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness” (2 Peter 2:15).

Balaam was a genuinely gifted man. “Like Melchizedek and Jethro in earlier Scripture, he was blessed with insight from Almighty God even though he was outside the house of Israel” (Alexander Whyte). The story gives many indications of authentic Spirituality. His wonderful prophesy of Christ (24:7) and the Scripture’s plain statement, “the Spirit of God came upon him,” (24:2) both testify to his genuine giftedness. God is graciously at work in ALL nations. He never leaves Himself without a witness!

Sadly, Balaam was also a lost man. Despite his superficial religious experiences, his true love was money. Even the warning of a talking donkey and a crushed foot were insufficient to wake his heart and turn Him toward true worship.

Moses tells the rest of the tragic story in Numbers 31:16. Still seeking Balak’s gold, still lingering near a temptation he should have fled, Balaam gave counsel that led Israel into sin. 24,000 people died in the judgement that followed. Unwilling to curse Israel, Balaam was all too willing to corrupt them. Forbidden to turn Jehovah against Israel, he gave counsel that turned Israel against Jehovah.

After you read these chapters today, will you pause to consider the clear warning and instruction? All of us know greatly gifted people. Pastors. Singers. Leaders. We all are gifted in some measure. But gifts from God, or even genuine Spiritual experiences, are no guarantee of His approval or of a saving relationship with Him. The Great Judge looks at the heart and motives. Is it your gifts He wants, dear one? No, it is your heart and He cannot (will not) receive a divided heart. “Create in me a clean heart, O God,” cried David in Psalm 51. We are wise to make the same urgent plea!

” ‘Lord, Lord did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name cast out demons?’ and I will say to them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness’ “(Matthew 7:22-23).

“Wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts; and then each man’s praise will come to him from God”(1 Corinthians 4:5).