PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Deuteronomy 1-2
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“The Lord destroyed the Zamzummites from before the Ammonites…” (Deuteronomy 2:21)
According to Moses, it is actually the Lord who destroys the Zamzummites.
In their view, God is sovereign over everything and everyone (in my view too).
This led them to attribute everything that happened to God’s hand.
This was their way of worshiping and respecting God as over all.
But this language can be misunderstood; it is more complicated than this.
God does not cause evil (like Adam and Eve’s rebellion) – God allows it.
God gives us freedom and permission as partners, and works with our choices.
God also works through the consequences of our choices, but never loses control.
God does not send cancer, though in ancient times that is how they would have said it.
In our worship language, we distinguish between what God allows, and what God does.
God did not crucify Jesus, but God allowed Jesus to be crucified – for greater good.
We need to be careful when we read the OT and its ancient language for God.
As Jesus followers, we believe that Jesus reigns, but he does not cause evil.
He is not destroying Ukraine or Gaza, but is working through our freedom and folly.
PRAYER
Lord, you guide us through the wilderness of this world, but it is our hand that makes this world a wilderness. Thank you for working for greater good, despite our bad choices and consequences.
Lessons learned – the hard way! The Lord rescued the people from the grip of Egypt and led the way – yet they feared going into the promised land – They forgot the power of their God. in their rebellion they learned the hard way and now as a consequence had to stay an extra 40 years in the desert. Though a lot of the original peoples on the land like Sihon were dispossessed by people who followed the will of God, yet God protected and set aside land not only for Israel but also for the descendants of Esau and of Lot. Israel had to submit to God’s authority as do all the peoples of this world – so do I – but God only wants those who will willingly seek him and honour Him. Lord, I pray that my heart may remain faithful and true – loving you because you are kind and gracious to me – your agape love through Jesus give me life and hope!
The Lord God led His people and delivered them. Trust and obey for that is the way. He was and still is the Way for His people. Listen to His voice. Do this and live the Lord told His people as He led them. And that is still true this day – obeying His Word as He continues to lead and guide His own if they are willing to obey and not be stiff necked – hard hearted. I need to continue to daily walk in His presence as He continues to lead and guide by His Word in the way of truth through His Spirit.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path
When I feel afraid,
And think I’ve lost my way
Still, you’re there right beside me
Nothing will I fear
As long as you are near
Please be near me to the end
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path
I will not forget
Your love for me and yet
My heart forever is wandering
Jesus by my guide
And hold me to your side
And I will love you to the end
Nothing will I fear
As long as you are near
Please be near me to the end
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path
And a light unto my path
You’re the light unto my path