What and Why

Read Deuteronomy 1-4:43
 
Deuteronomy 1:1 These are the words Moses spoke to all Israel in the desert east of the Jordan — that is, in the Arabah — opposite Suph, between Paran and Tophel, Laban, Hazeroth and Dizahab. 
 
WE will do well to be attentive to Deuteronomy, which means “second law” or “these are the words”.  Here’s why.
   The book is a collection of Moses’ farewell messages to teach Israel once more about their LORD God Almighty. Remember, these Israelites did not witness God’s miracles in Egypt; nor did they see God’s wrath for their parents’ disobedience. In essence, Deuteronomy is about a) who God is b) what God has done 3) what God is going to do, 4) how to love God 5) how to love one another. This new generation of Israelites needed an inspired review of God’s promises, his power, his law and his faithfulness. They needed to also know the blessings of obedience and the curse of disobedience.
   Of course, these same reasons are why we must read, study and know “the second law”, too. Note, for example, how essential these words are for God’s people: Deuteronomy 31:10 “At the end of every seven years, in the year for canceling debts, during the Feast of Tabernacles, 11 when all Israel comes to appear before the Lord your God at the place he will choose, you shall read this law before them in their hearing. 12 Assemble the people — men, women and children, and the aliens living in your towns — so they can listen and learn to fear the Lord your God and follow carefully all the words of this law. 13 Their children, who do not know this law, must hear it and learn to fear the Lord your God as long as you live in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess.”     
   Do you see that? The law is to be read every seven years to teach the next generation. Deuteronomy calls God’s people to “Remember … and never forget.” Deuteronomy urges us today to know and to live the unchanging truth of how to love God with all our heart, mind and strength.
   Consider, too, that when the devil tempted Jesus, our Lord responded with Deuteronomy scripture. Later, when Jesus answered a question about the greatest commandment, he referred to Deuteronomy 6:5. The New Testament quotes from or refers to Deuteronomy nearly 100 times. These include a clear prophecy of Jesus twice quoted in Acts. Deuteronomy’s spiritual lessons are foundational to New Testament teachings.
   I hope you approach this part of Holy Scripture with a reverence for God’s love. He has continually demonstrated his love through his Living Word throughout time to your heart today.