Time for Change
From badges on your work-out app, to post-it notes on the fridge, we are a goal oriented society. We want to be the best version of ourselves. But we all know how hard and how difficult such changes can be. In these moments what empowers us? Who encourages us? And what hope is there for those who wrestle to see what lies ahead? In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses' message to the Israelites was one of warning, comfort and instruction as they looked at what awaited them. His message: Something needs to change. The message of Deuteronomy helps us understand the parts of our life which need change the most and shows us the way in which God's grace helps us do just that.
In the first chapter of Deuteronomy, Moses begins to set the stage for the story of Israel's failures and God's unending faithfulness.
Scripture: Deuteronomy 1:1-46
In part one of Moses' prologue he highlighted the failures of Israel, but in Deuteronomy 2-3 he highlights the faithfulness of God and points forward to Jesus.
Scripture: Deuteronomy 2:1-3:29
In Deuteronomy 4:1-43, Moses prepares God's people to hear God's Word by stressing the unique relationship they have with it.
Scripture: Deuteronomy 4:1-43
As Moses begins to teach the law to God's people he reminds them of the heart and the hope of God's gracious commands.
Scripture: Deuteronomy 4:44-6:25
In Deuteronomy 7 and 8, Moses is not only fighting for holiness as Israel faces the external threats in the land, but also the internal threats of their hearts.
Scripture: Deuteronomy 7:1-8:20
In Deuteronomy 9 and 10, Moses helps the people see with greater clarity the extent of their sin and the extension of God's grace.
Scripture: Deuteronomy 9:1-10:22
In Deuteronomy 11, Moses calls for Israel to prepare for life in the Land by considering what really matters.
Scripture: Deuteronomy 11:1-32
In turning to address the practical issues of God's people, Moses focuses on what is most practical: worship.
Scripture: Deuteronomy Deut 12:1-32
Moses continues to remind God's people what it looks like to love God as he prepares them for some hard realities.
Scripture: Deuteronomy Deut 12:29-13:18
In reminding Israel of their role as children, Moses continues to teach them what life is like in God's house.
Scripture: Deuteronomy 14:1-16:17
Moses continues to prepare God's people for the Promise Land by showing them God's design for justice.
Scripture: Deuteronomy 16:18-18:22
Moses concludes his larger portion of law giving by stressing the covenant nature of God's work and God's word.
Scripture: Deuteronomy 19:1-26:19
As Moses leads Israel in a reaffirmation of the covenant, God's people are reminded of the past, admonished for the present, and encouraged for the future.
Scripture: Deuteronomy 27:1-29:29
In Deuteronomy 30, Moses makes it clear that there is a third way to life outside of blessings and curses: the way of mercy.
Scripture: Deuteronomy 30:1-20
In the face of the new trials and opportunities of the Promised Land, Moses reminds God's people of the promise of his presence; and as God does the same, we see glimpses of our hope in Jesus Christ.
Scripture: Deuteronomy 31:1-23
In Deuteronomy 32, God prepares Israel for their future with a song which reminds them of God's greatness and the hope for change.
Scripture: Deuteronomy 31:24-32:47
In the concluding chapters of Deuteronomy, we read Moses' final blessing and account of his death, all which serve to remind Israel of what it takes to live long in the land.
Scripture: Deuteronomy 32:48-34:12