Sept. 29, 2014
Deuteronomy 3-Part 2
LET IT GLOW
Here we read of the prayer of Moses for himself and the answer God gave to him.
O Lord God, thou hast begun to shew thy servant thy greatness and thy mighty hand: for what God is there in heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, and according to thy might? (verse 24)
In Hebrew, the word greatness means magnitude; stoutness; the word mighty means strong (usually in a bad sense, hard, bold, violent).
Moses had seen and experienced the greatness and mighty hand of God-the ten plagues on Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, manna, quail, water, protection, victory over the enemies of Israel. Yes, he knew how powerful his God was! After all, Moses spoke face to face with God, was called the "friend of God."
Moses was right, you know, who can speak and make things, such as planets, sun, moon out of nothing, and the animals and man?
Do we acknowledge that there is no other God in heaven or earth? Are we thanking and praising Him for working mightily in our life?
Moses had such an earnest desire to cross over into the Promised Land. He reminds the congregation of the reason he was not allowed to do so. Moses had sinned by not obeying the instructions of God, and he struck the rock twice, instead of once, for water to appear. God could not break His vow and allow this.
We should never allow any desires in our hearts, which we cannot in faith offer up to God by prayer: and what desires are innocent, let them be presented to God. The more we see of God's glory in His works, the more we shall desire to see. (Falwell)
Are we watching what we pray for and how we ask? Are we bowing before Him in praise and worship?
What was God's answer to Moses' prayer? His request was denied.
Let it suffice thee; speak no more unto me of this matter. (verse 26b)
Don't ask Me anymore, Moses. You have my answer, now accept it.
Moses was sled up the mountain to Pisgah where he saw the Promised Land with his own eyes.
Aren't there times that the answer to our prayers, according to God's will, is a no? Do we accept it?
LET IT GROW
We have been at this church over 17 years. God sent us. He could have said before hand, "Now when you get there...". It was later on that my husband, the pastor, said that God sent him here to build a new sanctuary. It has been over 3 years since we broke ground for it. What a long haul! Our faith will soon be sight as it nears completion. God has done so much in this process, provided so much money, workers, the right people to direct, faith to carry on. His greatness, His mighty hand, and His works continue to amaze us. He is the one who deserves thanks and praise and honor, not us. His wonders never cease. After all, He is our God! The sanctuary is a place where we will worship Him, and Him alone as God.
Joshua would soon experience the same great God and His might hand.
Joshua was to be Moses' successor. Moses was reminding him of the victories Joshua had seen; consider what God had done. The Lord would do the same to all the kingdoms over there where he was going; consider what God had promised.
What was the charge Moses gave to Joshua?
- Do not fear them.
- The LORD your God shall fight for you.
Jesus told His disciples, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem... (Luke 18:31)
I read this some where concerning that verse:
We go up to Jerusalem to fulfill God's purpose, not our own. What seemed failure from man's standpoint was a tremendous triumph from God's, because God's purpose is never man's purpose. (unknown author)Where is our Jerusalem that God is sending us to this week to accomplish His purpose? If it looks like we failed, be assured, God's purpose will be accomplished. It may not look like success in our eyes, but God looks deeper than we do and farther than we do.
LET IT GO
Listen to God's directions.
When I get where God has sent me, do what He said to do; accomplish His purpose, not mine.
Do His will, His way.
Don't fear others; stay focused on God.
Surrender and watch God fight for me.
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