Bible Pathway - Mar. 11, 2011
Read Deuteronomy 29:1
Highlights:
Moses begins his last words to Israel. He reviews their past, once again clearly emphasizing the blessings of obedience. He pleads with them: Choose life (Deut. 30:19).
Moses finished his ministry as the lawgiver and leader of Israel. The aged guide to the promised land is speaking his third discourse to Israel. He becomes more earnest as he declares: I command thee this day to love the Lord . . . walk in His ways . . . keep His Commandments. . . . choose life . . . for He is thy life (Deut. 30:16-20). The final words of Moses were: Be strong and of a good courage (31:6). But they ignored Moses' instruction. As a result, the Israelite kingdom was defeated; and the people were driven into captivity.
Jesus said there were only two ways to live; either the Broad Way that leadeth to destruction (Matt. 7:13) or the Narrow Way which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it (7:14). There is no neutral choice. Moses appealed to them to love the Lord thy God . . . to keep His Commandments (30:16). Their obedience would determine success in their outcome. He is thy life (30:20).
When our greatest desire is to please our Savior and soon-coming King, we will ask ourselves: "Am I devoting my life to seeking first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness (Matt. 6:33) or am I doing what is of my own concern to me in secular self-satisfaction? We must face the fact that everyone will give an account for every day of their life (Eccl. 12:14; II Cor. 5:10). True fulfillment and satisfaction are the outcome of a life which recognizes the importance of being a servant of the King of kings.
We who know Christ as our Savior and Lord should ask ourselves: "Do I demonstrate in my daily conduct and conversation that I have chosen to please the One who satisifes the deepest longings of my heart and who provides my every need?"
Jesus died for all our sins and, as our Redeemer, His death on the cross translates us into a new life. We have chosen life . . . for He is thy life. Henceforth, by virtue of His atonement, sin shall not have dominion over you (Rom. 6:14). Since we have chosen His leadership, the indwelling Holy Spirit makes it possible for us to live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ (Titus 2:12-13).
Godliness is profitable . . . having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come (I Tim 4:8).
Thought for Today:
Abstain from all appearances of evil (I Thess. 5:22).
Christ Revealed:
As life (Deut. 30:15). Jesus is The Resurrection, and The Life (John 11:25).
Word Studies:
29:17 abominations detestable things; 30:3 turn thy captivity restore you from captivity; 30:4 unto the outmost parts of (under) heaven to the ends of earth; 30:9 plenteous prosperous; 30:18 denounce announce; 30:19 record witness; 31:10 solemnity appointed time; 31:12 stranger foreigner; 31:14 charge commission; 31:16 go a whoring after the gods of the strangers be unfaithful to the One True God; 31:17 devoured consumed, destroyed; 31:21 sware promised.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Lt. Col. and Mrs. Walter W. Swanson • Government Officials: Gov. Matthew Mead (WY), Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. (IL), and Justice Antonin Scalia • Staff: Barbara Bivens • Country: Zimbabwe (11.2 million) in south-central Africa • Major languages: English and Shona • Limited religious freedom • 59% Christian; 35% Traditional; 2% Muslim; 4% Other/non-Religious (Hindu, Buddhist, Baha'i, Jewish) • Prayer Suggestion: Pray and lift up your prayers to God with the spirit of understanding (I Cor. 14:15).
Optional Reading: John 2:1
Memory Verse for the Week: 1 Peter 1:22
