Read Deuteronomy 1
Highlights:
Moses' review of Israel's 40 years after leaving Egypt; commanded to leave Mount Sinai; commanded to enter the promised land but (they)rebelled against the Commandment of the Lord (Deut. 1:43); 38 years of wanderings.
The leadership obligations were more than Moses could bear. For the second time, he asked: How can I myself alone bear your cumbrance (problems), and your burden (troubles), and your strife (court cases) (Deut. 1:9,12)?
The people were continually finding fault and rebelled against the Commandment of the Lord . . . And . . . murmured. . . . our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The people (in the promised land) is greater and taller than we (1:26-28).
The distressing words which Moses spoke are echoed today by many heavyhearted pastors who appeal to God in prayer: "How shall I bear this strife or this burden alone?"
Men of God are often confronted with extraordinary hindrances and sorrows. The earnest prayer of many ministers is for God to send men and women who are willing to assume some responsibility. Recognizing this, Jesus said: Pray . . . therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth labourers into His harvest (Matt. 9:38). Even the Apostle Paul had dreadful hindrances. He must have been heartbroken to learn that some of the people in the church that he founded in Corinth were saying that his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible (II Cor. 10:10). He also related that of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness (11:24-27). The Apostle Paul did not own a comfortable home or have a retirement benefit; but he did spend much time suffering for preaching Jesus as our Savior and Lord.
One of the encouraging strengths of the Lord's church in each community is demonstrated when its members express caring concern for each other. Through church fellowship, we experience the joy of sharing His life. As one Body we are enabled to reach a lost world with Bibles (I Cor. 12:12-26); and faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God (Rom. 10:17).
Thought for Today:
Behold, the Lord thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged (Deut. 1:21)
Christ Portrayed:
By Moses, who spake unto the children of Israel, according unto all that the Lord had given him in Commandment unto them (Deut. 1:3). Jesus faithfully told others everything God told Him to say. I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father hath taught Me, I speak these things (John 8:28).
Word Studies:
1:12 cumbrance disputes; 1:39 should be a prey would be taken captive; 1:42 smitten defeated; 2:1 compassed went around; 2:18 coast border or territory; 2:33 smote defeated.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for our Military worldwide • International Broadcasts sponsored by Mary Hoffmeyer • Government Official: Rep. Deborah Halvorson (IL) • Staff: Dr. John A. Hash • Country: United States (270 million) in North America • Major languages: English and Spanish • Religious freedom • 55% Protestant; 28% Catholic; 1% Orthodox; 2% Mormon; 2% Jewish; 1% Muslim; 11% Other/None • Prayer Suggestion: Lift up prayers of praise and thanksgiving to God even in times of adversity (Acts 16:22-25).
Optional Reading: Luke 16
NOTE: Bible Pathway covers the Old Testament with devotional and commentary insights over a nine-month period, January through September. Each day during these months, an optional reading of one chapter a day from the New Testament will also be listed. The October, November, and December issues will provide a daily commentary on the New Testament readings. Thus, the reader goes through the New Testament twice each year using the Bible Pathway plan.
Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:6-7
