1Deuteronomy 4:1–2, 6–9—A nation that obeys God’ laws will live.
The first four chapters of Deuteronomy consist of a narrative by Moses telling the people what happened since the giving of the law on Mt. Sinai. Israel is about to enter the Promised Land and Moses calls upon them to obey God’s law that they may live and prosper in the new land. It is assumed that the laws referred to are the laws recorded in Deuteronomy chapters 12-26 (Referred to by Bible scholars and the Decalogue or the Deuteronomic code)
The laws are given as never to be added or to be subtracted from. The life of the nation depends upon their obedience to God’s laws. If the laws are obeyed, they will receive God’s blessing and other nations will be impressed with Israel’s wisdom and righteous laws.
Moses warns and Jesus argues that the Law is not to be added to or taken from the original. If this were allowed each person could writer his/her own laws. Each would do what was right in his/her own eyes. There would be no absolute standards. Moreover, the Law dare not be changed because it is God’s law. He wrote the moral precepts. Who is man or woman to change them? Is he greater than God?
In addition there needs to be no change in the laws of God because people of every generation remain the same. They are always in need of moral direction. 2
As the Children of Israel were about to take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving them, Moses reminds them of all that the LORD had taught and commanded them. His advice is to them and to us, heirs through Christ of the spiritual Promised Land, the Kingdom of Heaven. We must be diligent to hear the Word of God and preserve it, making it known, not only among ourselves, but to our children and our children’s children.
Prayer for steadfast faith: Almighty God, our heavenly Father, because of Your tender love toward us sinners You have given us Your Son that, believing in Him, we might have everlasting life. Continue to grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may remain steadfast in this faith to the end and finally come to life everlasting; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 3
Sources:
1. Go into all the world, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things
2. Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B, John Brokhoff, © 1981 CSS Publishing, Lima. OH
3. Collect for a steadfast faith, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
No comments:
Post a Comment