Read Deuteronomy 5
Highlights:
The Ten Commandments are the foundation of the moral laws for all mankind; they are the one portion of our Bible written by the finger of God (Ex. 31:18).
Because of the deceitfulness of riches (Matt. 13:22; Mark 4:19), God warned the Israelites through Moses: When the Lord thy God shall . . . give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not . . . beware lest thou forget the Lord (Deut. 6:10-12). The bitter humiliation of Egyptian slavery, the miraculous release from Pharaoh, the long wanderings in the wilderness, and the marvelous victories over kings and countries were all designed to develop the Israelites' loyalty and love for God as well as to strengthen their faith and obedience to His Word. Israel was chosen to let the world see how blessed anyone would be who remained faithful to the One True God. Nevertheless, Moses anticipated the dangers that prosperity would bring once they inherited the promised land. Israel would enjoy the blessings of freedom and wealth and would be tempted to gratify their worldly desires and ignore the Word of God.
The nation's distinguishing quality was not in themselves or in their abilities but in their position as representatives of the One True God. Although they did not realize it, it was a tragic period in the history of Israel when they feared the Lord, and served their own gods (II Kin. 17:33).
Prosperity is deceptive, for we find it easy to forget our dependence upon God and, in pride, assume ourselves to be self-sufficient.
Our depraved nature craves to be praised, to be considered important, and to be served by others. It offends us when someone else receives the recognition and honor we thought we deserved. In His loving concern, the Lord permits others to receive attention and preference in order to expose our self-centered ego to us.
The Father's will sometimes leads His children to humble submission through disappointing reverses. In such times our submission to His control turns trials into opportunities to glorify the Lord. It also protects us from pride when we are enjoying popularity or prosperity. We can better endure suffering or sorrow when we acknowledge our insignificance and recognize our Heavenly Father as the source of every good gift (James 1:17). Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar (special) people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light (I Pet. 2:9).
Thought for Today:
Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:11).
Christ Revealed:
Through the land flowing with milk and honey (Deut. 6:3). This pictures Christ who bountifully provides for our needs. Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (Matt. 6:33).
Word Studies:
5:1 statutes permanent laws; judgments laws, verdicts, sentences; 5:2 Covenant binding agreement with all qualifications given by God; 6:21 bondmen slaves; 6:22 sore terrible; 7:25 graven images carved wooden idols; abomination detestable, hated thing; 7:26 cursed thing thing set apart for destruction.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored byThursday Morning Prayer • Staff: Dan Murton • Country: Uzbekistan (24.4 million) central Asia • Major languages: Uzbek and Russian • Limited religious freedom due to Islamic influence • 68.2% Muslim (largely Sunni); 4.4% Russian Orthodox; .2% Roman Catholic; .2% Protestant; .5% Jewish; .5% Other; .2% Baha'i; .3% Buddhist; 25.5% non-Religious/Other • Prayer Suggestion: Give thanks for trials because from them we can learn patience (Rom. 5:3).
Optional Reading: Luke 18
Luke 18Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:6-7