Deuteronomy – ‘Choose Life’

Deuteronomy – ‘Choose Life’

The End of an Era

Deuteronomy 29-30 In these final scenes of Deuteronomy, we’re reminded of the uniqueness of Yahweh, the unique privilege of God’s people and the unique status of Moses the prophet. We’re left looking ahead in hope, for the day when the prophet like Moses would be revealed. In Jesus, all these hopes are not simply realised, they’re completely surpassed.

The Path to Life

Deuteronomy 29-30 As Moses reaches the end of his final “sermon” he calls Israel to a decision. Which path will they take? Will they embrace the grace being offered to them and choose life? Or will they turn from God and choose death?

Covenant blessings and curses

Deuteronomy 26:1-29:1 Having spelled out the stipulations of the covenant between Israel and God, Moses now outlines the consequences of their adherence, or non-adherence to the law. Life in the Promised Land ought to be one of blessing and flourishing, but it could go very badly if they fail to fulfill their covenant obligations. Praise God that Christ has taken the curse of sin from us, by faith in his death for us.

A life well lived

Proverbs 31 Proverbs 31 presents to us a picture, not only of a strong woman and excellent wife, but an idealised example of wisdom lived out and applied in daily life. We are being wooed away from a life of folly and to a life of wisdom. We are called to marry wisdom – holding her tight and allowing her to shape every part of our lives, and ultimately allowing her to point us to our Lord Jesus Christ.

Justice and Justice Alone

Deuteronomy 16-21 Moses outlines the kind of leaders that God’s people will need if they are to maintain their distinctiveness from the nations. These leaders are responsible for ensuring that truth, justice and righteousness prevail in the land. Ultimately, these ideal leaders point us towards Jesus, the most just Judge, righteous King, true Prophet and faithful Priest.

Joyful Worship

Deuteronomy 12-16 As the nation of Israel prepares to enter the land promised to them by Yahweh, Moses reveals to them various laws for righteous living that they must abide by. While a bit strange at first glance, these laws have much to teach us about worship. Specifically, who we are to worship, where worship takes place, and how we are to worship.

By Grace Alone

Deuteronomy 9:1-11:32 Once in the Promised Land, Israel would be tempted to boast that they had somehow earned the blessings they were experiencing. Moses warns the people against such boasting, reminding them of the ways they have sinned. If they deserve anything, it’s God’s judgement. The land, then, is given by grace. They receive blessing not because of their righteousness, but in spite of their unrighteousness. We are no different. Once dead in our sin, we are now blessed through…

Warning: Dangers ahead

Deuteronomy 6:10 – 8:20 Living as God’s people in any era has involved hazards and dangers. For the Israelites entering the Promised Land this would be especially so, and Moses warns them in these verses of four particular dangers: forgetfulness (of God, his laws and his goodness to them), compromise (spiritual and moral), fear (of the enemies they would face), and pride (in taking the credit for their achievements). As we live for Christ in these challenging times, let us…

Listen, love and obey

Deuteronomy 4:44-6:9 God has initiated an exclusive covenant relationship with Israel, grounded in his undeserved love for them. Fundamental to Israel’s response to God will be the need for them to listen, to love and to obey. This will shape every aspect of their life of worship and their life as a community together. The same is true for us, this side of the cross.

Like no other

Deuteronomy 4:1-43 Just as it was for the Israelites, our covenant relationship with God is a stunning privilege! This relationship is wonderfully unique because the Lord our God, who we worship and adore is the one true God. And it is this relationship that transforms both our living and our eternity.