Testimony

February 24–Deuteronomy 24-27

“When you enter the land which the Lord your God gives you. . .you shall take some of the first produce of the ground. . .and you shall put it in a basket and go to the place the Lord your God chooses to establish His name. . .and you shall say, ‘I declare this day to the Lord my God that I have entered the land which the Lord swore to our fathers to give us’ ” (26:1-3).

When the Lord keeps His promises to me, when I experience the faithfulness of God in my own life, I am to declare it in public gratitude. It is an obligation. I am to give my tithe and my testimony. He deserves both. To teach this wisdom, Moses gave the people the beautiful ordinance of the basket of first fruits.

Once they were in the land, the people were to BRING the FIRST of the harvest in a ceremony of gratitude. It was to have priority. God is first. Worship is our highest duty.

They were to SPEAK their testimony. “I declare this day that I have entered the land which the Lord swore to give us.” Nothing theoretical here. The believer was to honestly and gratefully declare to others what God had done. He was to go public with his experiences of grace. “You shall be my witnesses,” said the Lord to His disciples. “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.”

They were to TELL the story. See 26:5. They were to TELL how they prayed to God for help. See 26:7. They were to TELL how, in His great kindness, God met their needs. See 26:8.

Believer, do you understand how important your words of testimony are in the salvation of others? It is not bragging to tell your story. It is not self-absorbed. It is obedience. Your words are part of your service to God.

Today, will you repent of your silence and guarded privacy? Will you recognize the constant work of the enemy to intimidate you, to make you feel unworthy to tell your story? Will you boldly and gladly declare what the Lord has done for you?

“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth”(Psalm 34:1).

“Through Him, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name” (Hebrews 13:15).

Brave

February 23–Deuteronomy 20-23

“Do not be fainthearted. Do not be afraid, or panic, or tremble before them (your enemies), for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you”(20:3).

Before he died, Moses gave words for the priests to speak over the people as they prepared to enter the promised land. Words of warfare. Words of courage. There were battles ahead. God called them (us) to be BRAVE.

God is not naive about conflict. Given the condition of the human heart, He tells us that “wars and rumors of war” will be part of the human story. While no believer is to glorify war (or any level of conflict), neither are we to shrink back from it. When justified conflict comes, the believer is to meet it with a God-confident heart.

Facing Goliath, young David rejected the passive and fearful stance that others in Israel were taking. “You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel!” he shouted to his giant opponent (1 Samuel 17:45).

Christians are right to notice the difference between the previous dispensation and the present. In the Old Testament, God’s people were instruments of His judgement on specific nations. In the New Testament, Christ tells us to put away our swords and pray for our enemies. God gives government the sword, not the church. See Romans 13:4 and Matthew 26:52. (Careful here. God’s character hasn’t changed. At the end of the age, God’s fierce justice will come back into full view. See Revelation 19: 11-16.)

Even so, in this present hour, Christians are called to be brave in Spiritual warfare. Ours is a different sword, but the same required courage. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers. . . the heavenly forces of wickedness in heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).

Friend, are you timid? Are there battles in your life that you are avoiding because you are afraid, reluctant to pay the cost? Will you learn again the courage and assertive strength of Christ? God calls His children to fight, and to do so without fear!

“From fearing when I should aspire, from faltering when I should climb higher, from silken self, O Captain, free Thy soldier who would follow Thee” (Amy Carmichael).

“Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God. . .Stand firm!” (Ephesians 6:10-11,14).

Brave

February 23–Deuteronomy 20-23

“From fearing when I should aspire, from faltering when I should climb higher, from silken self, O Captain, free Thy soldier who would follow Thee” (Amy Carmichael).

“Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God. . .Stand firm!” (Ephesians 6:10-11,14).

The Place He Chooses

February 22–Deuteronomy 16-19

“You shall sacrifice the Passover. . .in the place where the Lord chooses to establish His name”(16:2).

Moses is very careful with this truth. Will you pause and review chapters 12-19 (our reading from yesterday and today)? Will you circle every time the Scripture says “in the place He chooses”? (Nineteen times in the NASV!)

When the nation came into the land, God promised to choose a place for worship. To this designated place, He called the people to gather in unity. No allowance was to be made for individual choice or personal preference. In recognition of His authority, they were to go where He told them, because He told them. Self-will and self-determination were excluded in matters of worship.

To the modern reader, this may seem narrow and legalistic. Can we not worship at home if we choose? Isn’t preference a factor? Convenience? No, says the Lord. No.

It is a matter and moment of self-denial. See Luke 9:23. Blessed breakthrough when a believer rejects self-rule! Renouncing loyalty to his own logic and ambitions, confessing sin and small ambition, the believer declares a life-giving loyalty to God’s will. Worship, by its very nature, requires us to expand beyond ourselves. To look upward. To reflect on the will of One higher. “What do I like? What is convenient or pleasing to me?” These are questions that have no place in the heart of a true worshipper.

As the Spirit guides me to a congregation, I must go there with my eyes completely on the Savior. He will choose a place for me. I go to the place He chooses.

Friend, as you worship do you assert your will or do you bend it in submission to the Lord?

“Not my will, but Thine be done” (Luke 22:42).

“Not forsaking the assembling together, but encouraging one another”(Hebrews 10:25).

“Those who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God” (Romans 8:14).

Open Your Hand

February 21–Deuteronomy 12-15

“For the poor will never cease to be in the land; therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall freely open your hand to your brother, to your needy and poor in your land’ “(15:11).

When Jesus said, “the poor you will always have with you” (John 12:8, Matthew 26:11), He was not being calloused or unsympathetic. Our Lord was quoting scripture and teaching us reality. In a broken world, poverty is a problem that will never permanently go away.

Whether feeding five thousand or preaching “the gospel to the poor” (Luke 4:18) or commanding the rich young ruler to “go, sell, give to the poor” (Matthew 19:21), Jesus lived in concrete fulfillment of the Mosaic law of compassion. In Acts 4:34, the Spirit-filled church continued this Kingdom value. In obedience to Christ, they opened their hands to the poor.

Certain conditions apply. We will consider these later. See 2 Thessalonians 3:10. Even so, the command stands for every believer. “You shall not harden your heart, nor close your hand from your poor brother” (15:7).

To accomplish this task, we must open our minds to God’s promise of infinite supply. “The Lord will bless you in all your work and undertakings” (15: 10). In Christ, those who give to the poor do not have less for doing so. “He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness” (2 Corinthians 9:10).

“YOU give them something to eat,” Jesus told his disciples (Mark 6:37) as they stood hopeless before the needs of the hungry crowd. He insisted they (we) accept the responsibility to act in a world of need. If God is “a very present help in time of trouble” (see Psalm 46:1), then we, His people, must also be. Believing friend, are you generous with the poor? Will you open your hand?

“I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And what I can do, I ought to do. And what I ought to do, by the grace of God, I shall do” (Edward Everett Hale).

“Give and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure–pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return” (Luke 6:38).

Conviction of Sin

February 20–Deuteronomy 9-11

“Remember, do not forget how you provoked the Lord your God to wrath in the wilderness; from the day that you left the land of Egypt until you arrived at this place, you have been rebellious against the Lord”(9:7).

Hard words. As helpful as hard. In our reading today, Moses reviews the history of Israel as it touches the subject of sin. Their sin. Ours.

He speaks of stubbornness and rebellion. Without any apology or hesitation, he vividly describes the unbelief of God’s people and the anger that came as a result. He does not avoid the discussion. Wants them to face the problem honestly.

Humans have fallen into sin. We are sinners by nature. Contemporary Christians often resist such preaching. It feels negative. Harsh. Judgmental. We prefer positive words and encouragement.

God’s love, however, insists we talk about sin and consequences. Apart from these certainties, people are left in denial and darkness–believing themselves to be innocent, confused when they experience His displeasure. Remember the people of Jerusalem in Jeremiah’s time? Despite the words of the prophet, they clung to the idea that God would never destroy His people.

Jesus predicted the loving ministry of the Holy Spirit. “He will convict the world of sin.” See John 16:8. The verb convict means “to convince”. It was a legal word for a jury decision. Less about producing guilt feelings, more about providing evidence to convince the mind and conscience.

In a day of revival, the Holy Spirit does this loving work. He convicts. He convinces. He presses us to reach a verdict on ourselves and the whole race of men. Until this truthful assessment is reached, no real progress with God is possible.

Friend, do you remember your sin? Are you convinced by the Spirit that your history and heart prove a tendency toward it? Can you admit the inner rebellion, the pride, the stubbornness that presses against the Great High God? Do you see the danger still present in your flesh?

“For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against You, You only, I have sinned and done what is evil in your sight” (Psalm 51:3-4).

“Jesus! What a friend for sinners! Jesus! Lover of my soul; friends may fail me, foes assail me, He, my Savior, makes me whole” (John Wilbur Chapman).

Dearly Loved

February 19–Deuteronomy 5-8

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might” (Deuteronomy 6:4).

For many years, in the worship services of First Baptist Church, San Antonio, Texas, the last words were predictable. Sermon preached. Hymns sung. Announcements made. People standing, I would say to that gathered family, “You are dearly loved!”

Adverbs are necessary with God. He doesn’t just love us. He DEARLY loves us!

John 3:16 is courageously clear at this point. In order to be accurate, the verb is modified, expanded, pressed to the edges of its possible meanings. “For God SO loved the world.” John 13:1 is similar. “Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them TO THE END (the uttermost, the highest reach of what love can be).”

In Deuteronomy, as Moses retells the history of God with His people, he speaks often of God’s love for them, His tender concern and commitment to their welfare. “That it may be well with you.” “That your days may be prolonged.” Again and again, Moses makes the point. They were DEARLY loved.

The only appropriate response to love is love! God calls us to answer in kind. As I look back over my life I see clearly. I have never had a better friend than Jesus! Strong. Kind. Patient. Faithful. What is my obligation in the face of such love? I must love Him in return. He deserves it!

As you read the words of Moses today, will you notice several incentives to love God well? We should love Him out of gratitude. “I am the Lord who brought you out of bondage” (5:6). We should love Him in hope. “He will love you and bless you and multiply you” (7:13). We should love Him in fear. “Otherwise the anger of the Lord your God will be kindled against you” (6:15).

Dear reader, as you observe your own heart, can you see ways that your love for God is growing stronger and cleaner with each passing day? You are dearly loved. Shouldn’t He be, as well?

“More love to Thee, O Christ, more love to Thee! Hear Thou the prayer I make on bended knee; This is my earnest plea, more love, O Christ, to Thee, more love to Thee, more love to Thee! (E. Prentiss).

“Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” (John 21:16).

Old Wisdom

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).

Lessons Looking Back

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).