April 02, 2013 Deut 33–34, Luke 5:27–6:5, Ps
41:title–5, Prov 8:27–28
April 03, 2013 Josh 1–4, Luke 6:6–26, Ps 41:6–13,
Prov 8:29–30
Deuteronomy 33-34
This
section is the end of Moses’ speech to God’s people. In it we see Moses’ heart
was filled with love for his people. He seeks the blessing of God upon His
people. Do you pray for the same?
It is
interesting to note the spiritual position of God’s people as described in this
chapter: in God’s hand and at His feet (v. 3); between His shoulders (v. 12);
and upheld by His everlasting arms (v. 27). “As your days, so shall your
strength be” is a good promise for us today (v. 25, nkjv). “Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord!” (v.
29, nkjv) What a privilege it is
to be a child of God, let us never take it for granted.
Moses
had prayed that God would repent and allow him to enter the Promised Land, but
God had refused (Deut. 3:23–29). God knew that Joshua (“Jehovah is salvation”)
would lead the people into their earthly rest, just as the heavenly Joshua,
Jesus Christ, would lead His people into spiritual rest. This the Law (Moses)
could never do. However, Moses did visit the Promised Land on the Mount of
Transfiguration, with Elijah; and he discussed with Christ the “exodus”
(decease) He would accomplish at Jerusalem (Luke 9:27–31).
God lovingly took the body of Moses and
buried it. Read Jude 9 for an interesting commentary on this event. The people wept for Moses for thirty days.
Often a leader is more appreciated after death than during his or her life. The
book closes by reminding us of the unique character of Moses’ ministry—he was a
man to whom God talked face to face. Take a moment to reflect upon the life of
Moses, the servant of the Lord.
Joshua 1-4
When
God calls us to do something you can be confident that He does not leave us
abandoned. Joshua was prepared to lead the people in many ways. He had been
taught by Moses for many years and had lead many battles. What do you think God
is preparing you to do?
God
gave Joshua encouragement through His word and through His people. Are you the
type of person that encourages others as they try to lead or are you like the
many left in the desert that constantly complained? God empowered Joshua
through His Spirit, He has done the same for us today. Therefore, likes Joshua
we need to be courageous and go forth with vigor to do the job God has called
us to do.
Chapter 2
Hebrews
11:31 commends Rahab for her faith. Why is it significant that she is in the genealogy
of Christ? What encouragement can this give us today?
Chapters
3-4
The
Israelites had to walk by faith to cross the Jordan. In what ways do you have
to walk by faith to get where God is leading you?
Notice
the imagery of water: Noah passed through water to seek salvation (the Flood),
the Israelites crossed through water to be saved (the Exodus), Joshua and the
people pass through water before coming into the Promised Land, I could go on but
do you see the theme? It does not take a lot to see the symbolism of baptism
here.
They
set up memorial stones to remember and teach the children. What symbols do you
use to teach and remember today?
Luke 5:27-6:26
Jesus
was a “friend of sinners” what groups and individuals do we see Him ministering
to here? Would most see the Church today as a friend to sinners?
Why
are the religious leaders so concerned about Sabbath rules and not about loving
people? What is a modern example of this?
As
you read the lists of blessings and woes what stands out to you? What applies most
to you?
Psalm 41
It
would appear that David was sick. As he lay in his bed he looked back at his
own life. He remembered that he had shown kindness to the poor and he was
convinced that God would do the same to him. When we are in pain it is a great
comfort to have a clear conscience. Do you show kindness to the poor?
While
many were convinced David was getting what he deserved and wanted to see him
die, David knew God was with him. We can be sure of this, while we may abandon
God, He will never abandon us.
Proverbs 8:27-30
When God
stretched out the heavens, wisdom was there. Wisdom cooperated when God “set a
circle” on the face of the deep. The reference most likely is to the sky which
is called a “circle” because the earth which it covers is round. She was there
when he “appointed the foundations of the earth,” i.e., the great mountains, or
set for the sea its fixed limit (cf. Gen 1:9). Wisdom was “the craftsman” at
the side of God (8:27–29).
As wisdom
witnessed the creation of the universe, she was filled with delight. When the
work of creation was finished, wisdom rejoiced in “the habitable world of his
earth,” i.e., the completed earth made fit for the habitation of living
creatures. Especially did wisdom take pleasure in the sons of men (8:30–31).
Join Wisdom and
praise God for creation.
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