R³ Devotional - Day 80

In Chapter 30 Moses told the Hebrews that when they were ready to return to God, he would be ready to receive them.  God’s mercy is unbelievable.  It goes far beyond what we can imagine.  Even if the Jews deliberately walked away from Him and ruined their lives, God would still take them back.  God would give them inward spiritual renewal (circumcise their hearts).  

Real Life Principles.

• God wants to forgive us and bring us back to Himself, too.  Some people will not learn this until their world has crashed in around them.  Then the sorrow and pain seem to open their eyes to what God has been saying all along.  Are you separated from God by sin?  No matter how far you have wandered, God promises a fresh beginning if only you will turn to Him.
  
  
• God has called us to keep His commands while reminding us that His laws are not hidden from us or beyond our reach.  Have you ever said you would obey God if you knew what He wanted?  Have you ever complained that obedience is too difficult for a mere human?  These are unacceptable excuses.
  
  
•  God’s laws are written in the Bible and are clearly evident in the world around us.  Obeying them is reasonable, sensible, and beneficial.  The most difficult part of obeying God’s laws is simply deciding to start now.  Paul refers to this passage in Romans 10: 5-8.  

Relevant Life Applications

 Moses challenged Israel to choose life, to obey God, and therefore to continue experiencing His blessings.

• God doesn’t force His will on anyone.  He lets us decide whether to follow Him or reject Him.  This decision, however, is a life-or-death matter.  God wants us to realize this, for He would like us all to choose life.  Daily, in each new situation, we must affirm and reinforce the commitment.
  
  

Chapter 31 is an interesting addition to the last chapter since there is to be a change in leadership.  The laws were to be read to the whole assembly so that everyone, including the children, could hear them.  Every seven years the entire nation would gather together and listen as a priest read the laws to them.  There were no books, Bibles, or newsstands to spread God’s word, so the people had to rely on word of mouth and an accurate memory.

•   Memorization was an important part of worship because if everyone knew the law, ignorance would be no excuse for breaking it.  To fulfill God’s purpose and will in our lives, we need the content and substance of His Word in our hearts and minds.
  
  
•  For the Hebrews, the process began in childhood.  Teaching our children and new believers should be one of our top priorities.  Our finest teachers, best resources, and most careful thought should be directed towards showing young believers how to follow God in all life’s situations.
  
  
• Joshua had been appointed to take over the leadership of Israel and guide the people into the Promised Land (Moses could not enter the land due to his disobedience – Numbers 20: 12).  Joshua, first mentioned in Exodus 17: 9, had been Moses’ assistant for many years (Joshua 1: 1).  One of his key qualifications was his faith.  As one of the 12 scouts to first enter Canaan, only he and Caleb believed that God could help Israel conquer the land (Numbers 13: 1 – 14: 30).  Moses told Joshua to be strong and courageous twice in this chapter (3: 7, 23). Indeed, this was a frightening task with three million people to care for, settle disputes for, and lead into battle.
  
  
• Finding courage could be Joshua’s greatest test.  He was strong and courageous because he knew God was with him and because he had faith that God would do all He had promised Israel.  
  
  
• Moses knew that the Israelites, in spite of all they had seen of God’s work, were rebellious at heart.  They deserved God’s punishment, although they often received His mercy instead.  We, too, are stubborn and rebellious by nature.  Throughout our lives, we struggle with sin.  Repentance once a month or once a week is not enough.

Ready Action Step

•   We must constantly turn from our sins to God and let Him, in His mercy, save us.