March 16, 2014 (Deuteronomy 30-31; Psalm 40; 1 Corinthians 1)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for The Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:8 NLT
Observation: Moses gave God’s rebellious people final instructions before they crossed over the Jordan River to occupy the land God was giving them. Moses made his instructions clear and carefully repeated how important it was to keep God’s commands. He clearly told the people there would be blessings galore if they kept God’s commands and there would also come curses if they rebelled against Him. He encouraged the people to remain faithful and obedient and assured them if they did God would personally go ahead of them, be with them and would not fail nor abandon them. The key to receiving this wonderful promise of God’s continual presence was their faithfulness and obedience. Moses told the people what they needed to hear in-spite of knowing how rebellious and stubborn they were. Moses knew while he was alive they had rebelled against God and that they would surely forget God’s commands and rebel once again once they tasted victory in the Promised Land.
Application: “God will never leave you nor forsake you” one of the most quoted scriptures of all time. Yet I’m afraid we’ve taken what we like from that passage and left the truth behind. Moses told the children of Israel that God would never leave them nor forsake them as long as they kept His word. As long as they were walking in the beauty of His light they could be confident that God would surely be with them and fight for them. Yet God Himself told Moses (Deuteronomy 31:17) He “would” forsake them and turn His face from them because of their rebellion against Him. God Himself would not only abandon them and turn His face from them, but He would cause them to be consumed and devoured! He would bring on them terrible trouble so that their sins of disobedience would be revealed to them. When they experienced terrible troubles they would understand God was no longer with them and would understand why. In God’s mercy He gave Moses a song to give them that would lead them back to repentance.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for Your wonderful word that is just and true. I’m so thankful Your actions are righteous and Your ways are amazing. No matter the storm we may face if we walk in Your ways You will never leave us nor forsake us. Help me Lord; keep my feet firmly planted along the path You have chosen for me to walk. In Jesus name, Amen!