“These are the words that Moses spoke to all Israel beyond the Jordan in the wilderness, in the Arabah opposite Suph, between Paran and Tophel, Laban, Hazeroth, and Dizahab.” Deuteronomy 1:1 (ESV)
Moses presents a series of strong sermons to a wandering people. Impressing God’s Word on their hearts, Moses preaches the Law to the people of Israel. Moses reiterates the covenant community expectations as prescribed by God and reminds the people of Israel of God’s faithfulness.
In the New Testament account of Stephen’s speech to the Sanhedrin, we find a bold reference to the disobedience of the people of Israel. “Our fathers refused to obey him, but thrust him aside, and in their hearts they turned to Egypt, saying to Aaron, ‘Make for us gods who will go before us. As for this Moses who led us out from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him'” (Acts 7:39-40 ESV). Waves of obedience were followed by waves of disobedience.
In Deuteronomy, Moses traces the tracks of the wilderness wanderings and the inconsistency of the people of Israel. As Moses speaks forth the series of messages to the people, strong themes of obedience, disobedience, brokenness, and repentance arise. Through the ebb and flow of the people of Israel’s response to God’s activity, God remained faithful.
Trace your tracks. Where have you been and where are you going? Has God been true to His Word? Can you trace the faithfulness of God throughout your life? God invites you into His story. You are His masterpiece and His instrument of reconciling the world to Himself through Christ. Will you rest in God’s faithfulness and trust in God’s abundant provision?
Riding HIS Wave,
Stephen Trammell
Lead Pastor
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