What Does That Mean?

O. T. #385  "What Does That Mean?"
October 14, 2014
Deuteronomy 6-Part 4
And when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What mean the testimonies, and the statues, and the judgments, which the LORD our God hath commanded you? Deuteronomy 6:20

LET IT GLOW

What does that mean? I recall asking that question when I was a child. Sometimes it was in reference to a saying, a word, or instructions in a workbook. Israel was given directions whenever their children asked that question.

He brought us out to bring us in.  (verse 23 NIV)
What does that refer to? God brought Israel out of Egypt, slavery, and the midst of idol worship to bring them into the Promised Land, the land where their nation would live freely to worship Him.

Has God brought you out of your Egypt, where sin and doubt are?
Are you free from the bondage of sin by confession?
Do you worship God alone life?

Do we find ourselves slipping back into our old Egyptian ways?
Why do we become enslaved by the world?
Are there idols in our life that we need to get rid of or change our attitude toward?

LET IT GROW

The key to the teaching was the simple recounting of Israel's testimony-how God saved them from the bondage of Egypt. Parents need to relate to their children how they came to a personal relationship with Jesus, so the children understand that they must come to the same relationship.
(Guzik)

"What does it mean, Daddy?" a question a third generation Israelite might ask.
When their children asked what meaning of those stipulations, decreed, and laws the LORD our God commanded meant, then  Israel was to tell them:

• With a mighty hand God brought us out of slavery in Egypt. (verse 21)
• Before our eyes He sent miraculous signs and wonders (plagues) upon Egypt and the Pharaoh's household. (verse 22)
• God has given us this land which He promised as an oath to our forefathers. (verse 23)
• He commanded us to obey them these and fear Him so we might always prosper and be kept alive. ((verse 24)
• If we carefully obey all this law before the LORD our God, that will be our righteousness. (verse 25)

Righteousness, in Hebrew, means justice, virtue, right act.

And he believed in the LORD; and He counted it to him for righteousness. Genesis 15:6
The promise was that Abraham would have a seed, child.

Israel's righteousness will come from observing the Law with a willing spirit, not with an empty obedience. (Falwell)

If one will obtain true righteousness through the law, it is simple (though not easy): observe all the commandments. But if you are lacking in observing any commandment, then you need the atonement of a Perfect Sacrifice-Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.  (Guzik)

Do our children and grandchildren ask questions about God's Word?
Do we explain it to them?

No one can keep the Law, since we are born with a sinful nature. Only one was able to keep it and live a sinless life, Jesus.

Are we sharing that message?


LET IT GO

Turn from our sin and to Jesus.

Trust the mighty hand of God to deliver me from my bondage to sin.

Share the meaning of God's Word and the application of it in my life.