The book of Deuteronomy is the fifth and final book of the five books written by Moses. It contains Moses’ final speeches to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land. It re-emphasizes and expands upon the laws given earlier in Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers, as this was a new generation of Israelites about to enter the Promised Land.
The older recalcitrant generation had died in the wilderness, so these people who didn’t experience the miracle at the Red Sea or hear the law given at Sinai were about to enter a new land with many dangers and temptations. Therefore, the book of Deuteronomy was given to remind them of God’s law and power.
Deuteronomy had key themes from the renewal of the Israelites’ commitment to God, to obedience through love and devotion to the leadership transition from Moses to Joshua. Deuteronomy serves as a bridge between Israel’s past and future, calling the people to faithfulness as they step into their destiny.
As a believer, when you read the book of Deuteronomy you should be filled with gratitude to God for the sacrifice of Jesus for all sins once and for all. The repeated sacrifices by the Israelites point to the fact that being perfect in keeping the Mosaic law is impossible.
Reflection: You can not be made perfect with God by keeping rules, rather you need to only believe in the finished work of Christ
Today’s reading
Deuteronomy 1-2
These are the words which Moses spoke to all Israel on this side of the Jordan in the wilderness, in the plain opposite Suph, between Paran, Tophel, Laban, Hazeroth, and Dizahab.
It is eleven days’ journey from Horeb by way of Mount Seir to Kadesh Barnea.
Now it came to pass in the fortieth year, in the eleventh month, on the first day of the month, that Moses spoke to the children of Israel according to all that the Lord had given him as commandments to them,
Acts 14:8-15:2
And in Lystra a certain man without strength in his feet was sitting, a cripple from his mother’s womb, who had never walked.
This man heard Paul speaking. Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed,
said with a loud voice, “Stand up straight on your feet!” And he leaped and walked.