PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Deuteronomy 9-10
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Circumcise your hearts, and do not be stiff-necked any longer.” (Deuteronomy 10:16)
Moses challenges the people not to forget the God, and Law, of love!
God did not choose them because of their strength or goodness.
God showed mercy to them multiple times… because that is who God is.
Unlike other gods, this God defends the fatherless and widows.
Unlike other gods, this God loves the foreigners (10:18-19).
The other religions were about power, pleasure, lust and violence.
God hated these religions because God hates cruelty, violence and abuse.
The God is love is creating a community of gracious love.
This is what Moses is pleading for, a spirit or heart filled with love.
‘Circumcise your hearts’ is a call to cut away unloving thoughts and ways.
God will bless and prosper those who are sincerely devoted to goodness.
No bribes, no partiality, but mercy and love for everyone!
Deep in the heart of the Moses Law was a God and Law of Love.
Are we as Jesus-followers getting this, or are we stiff-necked too?
PRAYER
Lord, soften my heart to want what you want, a place for all people to be loved, shown mercy, treated respectfully. Fill my heart with love!
The Lord God is angry – the campaign of displacing the existing peoples by Israel – was God’s punishment on them. Yet the Lord was angry with Israel many times – and Moses interceded : “I feared the anger and wrath of the Lord, for he was angry enough with you to destroy you”. God expects obedience: “what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” Moses inteceded then – and Jesus does now – for me! For I know I am disobedient!
Stop. Look. Listen.
Listen to the words of the Lord God.
God goes before us as He did then. That He has promised. I need to just stand on the promises of God and walk in obedience to Him. Love Him. Serve Him.
As He has shown His love to me I need to show my love to Him by my words and deeds. Each day anew, I need to see and reflect what the Lord has done for me. I need to acknowledge His handiwork in my life. He continues to be my Guide as I live for Him.
1 Standing on the promises of Christ, my King,
Through eternal ages let his praises ring;
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.
Refrain:
Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God, my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.
2 Standing on the promises that cannot fail.
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]
3 Standing on the promises of Christ, the Lord,
Bound to him eternally by love’s strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,
Standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]
4 Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
List’ning ev’ry moment to the Spirit’s call,
Resting in my Savior as my all in all,
Standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]