Deuteronomy 8:1-10
In Deuteronomy, we have the new generation of Israellites about to enter the Promised Land. The last generation didn't make it. At 120 years old, Moses preaches to the new generation although, he won't make it in. However, before he dies, he preaches a crucial lesson: You shall not live on bread alone but by every word that comes out of the Lord. It's a matter of life and death.
The Lord's words are life but failing to follow Him leads to death. There's no life without God and God doesn't want you to die (Ezekiel 33:11). Jesus says in John that the thief wants us to die, not Him. The Israelites lived in the wilderness for 40 years. God taught this same lesson for that long and God humbled them by leading them to the wilderness. The wilderness is dangerous, uncomfortable, lacks water, and has a shortage of food. They literally have to rely on God for everything.
God also tests them (vs. 2). When God tests us, it's not because he's going to be surprised by how we act. He tests us to see if we'll obey Him. Only when things get hard do we find out where our faith is. When God tests us, he shows us how much pride and sin that we have. Even our best effort isn't good enough. They are filthy rags. God knows that we need grace and mercy, which is why he provided manna to His people.
Maybe you were in the wilderness in 2017 or you're still there. Let me encourage you with these three things: 1) God is leading you. He has not left you and has not forsaken you. He's with you. He's the good shepherd and leads you in the paths of righteousness. 2) Maybe the Lord is humbling you to show certain areas where you're not submitting to Him. He wants to show those things that are killing you. 3) God absolutely loves you. You're not in the wilderness because he hates you. He could be disciplining you (vs. 5). He disciplines the ones he loves.
God gave Jesus His Son. Without Jesus, none of us could follow every word that comes out of the mouth of God. Israel had the same problem. Over and over they sinned and didn't submit. Many died, were disciplined, and then exiled from the Promised Land.
Our rebellious hearts kept us from the Father. Yet God sent his Son who was the only one who lived a perfect, spotless life. He breaks the power of sin by putting our sins on the cross. God gave us a new heart by putting the Holy Spirit in us. As we enter 2018, let's remember that man lives by every word that comes out from the mouth of God. We have grace and the gift of salvation that Jesus gave us.
Scott Worden (The L.A./Seoul Guy)
Instagram: l.a.seoulguy
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