The resources God has given us to live a thriving life are His Word, Spirit, and People.
Read God’s Word:
Deuteronomy 31-34
Act 2: God’s Covenant People
Scene 3: The Sinai Covenant and law: God embraces and instructs his people
Background Information: Deuteronomy 31-34
We come to the end of what is called the Pentateuch, or the first five books of the Bible. Genesis lays out a Biblical worldview: who God is, who man is, what his problem is, and what God’s solution will be. It ends with God’s people in Egypt. Exodus jumps centuries later and tells of God’s deliverance of his people from their slavery through his servant Moses. It also records the giving of the covenant at Sinai, instructions for building the tabernacle, the Ten Commandments, and other laws for the nation. Leviticus gives further laws for the nation and lays out the sacrificial system that will allow a sinful people to have ongoing relationship with the Holy God. Numbers gives the key historical events of the 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. Deuteronomy is Moses’ final words before Israel will cross over into the promised land. Moses is allowed to see the land, but he will not enter it. It may seem harsh that after all Moses has done, he is penalized so severely for a “single” sin. Keep in mind that Moses was given greater privilege than others were given, so he had greater responsibility. For instance, consider this great privilege:
“The Lord would speak with Moses face to face, just as a man speaks with his friend.” (Exodus 33:11)
James warns that we should take spiritual leadership very seriously:
“Not many should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we will receive a stricter judgment.” (James 3:1)
Much is at stake in leading God’s people, and much is required of those who take on that calling. Even to the very end, Moses experienced a special relationship with God. God himself buried Moses’ body. We can be sure that God welcomed Moses into his presence with joy. Yes, Moses was unable to enter the earthly promised land, but little did that matter when he experienced the eternal promise of life with God.
Pray:
Praise God for…
Thank God for…
Confess your sins to God
Pray for the students going on the Christian Challenge spring break trip. Ask God to deepen their faith and strengthen community among the students.
Ask God for… (what else concerns you?)
Reflect:
Write down one passage of scripture that stood out to you today.
Write down why this passage stood out to you.
Engage Community:
Text or call some now and tell them…
– What you are praying for.
– What stood out from God’s word today.
Review the Storyline Map: Where we are in the Bible
Act 1 God’s Plan for All People
Scene 1: The Creation: The God of all of life.
Scene 2: The Fall: Rejecting God’s vision for life
Scene 3: The Flood: God judges and makes a covenant to preserve life
Act 2 God’s Covenant People
Scene 1: The People: God calls a Covenant People
Scene 2: Deliverance: God rescues his people.
Week 11:
Scene 3: The Sinai Covenant and law: God embraces and instructs his people
Day 1: Deuteronomy 16-19
Day 2: Deuteronomy 20-23
Day 3: Deuteronomy 24-27
Day 4: Deuteronomy 28-30
Day 5: Deuteronomy 31-34
Scene 4: The Land: God’s place for his people
Day 6: Joshua 1-2, Psalm 105
Scene 5: Kings and Prophets: God shapes a kingdom people
Scene 6: Kings and Prophets: God divides the kingdom people.
Scene 7: Kings and Prophets: The southern kingdom as God’s people
Scene 8: Exile: God disciplines his people
Scene 9: Return: God delivers his people again
Act 3 God’s New Covenant People
Scene 1: Christ’s coming: God’s true king arrives
Scene 2: Christ’s ministry: God’s true king manifest his kingdom
Scene 3: Christ’s deliverance of his people: God’s work through the death, resurrection, and enthronement of his king
Scene 4: Christ’s church: God’s people advance the kingdom
Scene 5: Christ second coming: God future for the kingdom