True & Beautiful Things About the Bible--Old Testamentಮಾದರಿ

Deuteronomy: Love God

Deuteronomy is the TedTalk of the Old Testament. Three short, profound talks meant to change the future.

Moses wanted the best for these kids standing in front of him. They were literally the future and he was the past. They were the children of the children of Israel and he was the retiring leader, about to walk off the stage. Tomorrow, a new leader will take them across the river into a new land and a new life.

That’s the thing about life—seasons change. Moses’ whole point in Deuteronomy was: In the end, it’s us and God. That doesn’t change. Remember that in your new season.

Moses retold their story through the wilderness to remind them that God had been with them the whole time. The plagues?—all God. At the Red Sea?—He was the hero. Gushing water out of a rock in an impossible desert?—that was Him, too. Morning delivery of food at their doorstep?—you guessed it. The cloud up in front, leading them, shielding them from the heat?—God Himself. The pillar of fire?—a reminding them every night they weren’t alone.

Deuteronomy is really just one long plea from Moses. When you get into the land, please. . . walk with God.To remind them how to do that, Moses gave the people the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9). Summed up:

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

When you say the Shema, he said, you remember to love God first and with everything you have. Love Him with the same energy you spend on making a living, love Him with your best thoughts, love Him with everything that defines your identity. Make it the truest thing about you. No matter what else people might say of you, let it be said that you love God more. If we don’t love Him like that we miss our greatest joy in life.

Israel’s story was just one chapter of God’s cosmic story that will run into eternity. Our stories take place inside His story. To large extent, we get to choose whether they end in something beautiful or tragic. Moses pointed backwards—that was God making a way for you.Then he pointed forwards—He’ll do it again tomorrow.

Yesterday, He was with the children of Israel in the wilderness. Today, He’ll be with you in yours. And Moses would add, so choose right now that you’re gonna love Him tomorrow.

Next: God does it again.