Deuteronomy 4 – 12

Many folks see the God of the Bible as a cruel, arbitrary, vindictive despot. In the narrative of giving the Law through Moses and the conquest of Canaan through Joshua, a careless observer can build a case against God using His own words. That’s precisely why we must be careful with the word of God. It’s worth noting that in order to “see” Yahweh as a despot one must overlook clarifications and context, while we can “see” Yahweh Elohim Shaddai in His righteous, lovingkindness without overlooking a single word or comma. As Moses teaches the Law to the generation who will enter Canaan and reminds them of all God has done to bring them there, he is very clear on God’s nature and character in dealing with Israel and Egypt, Hebrews and Gentiles alike. Let’s consider Moses’ “introduction” not only for the Israelites and the Law of Moses, but how it relates to the church and the Bible as a whole.

“Now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and the judgments which I am teaching you to perform, so that you may live and go in and take possession of the land which the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you. You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. Your eyes have seen what the LORD has done in the case of Baal-peor, for all the men who followed Baal-peor, the LORD your God has destroyed them from among you. But you who held fast to the LORD your God are alive today, every one of you. See, I have taught you statutes and judgments just as the LORD my God commanded me, that you should do thus in the land where you are entering to possess it. So keep and do them, for that is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’ For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as is the LORD our God whenever we call on Him? Or what great nation is there that has statutes and judgments as righteous as this whole law which I am setting before you today? Only give heed to yourself and keep your soul diligently, so that you do not forget the things which your eyes have seen and they do not depart from your heart all the days of your life; but make them known to your sons and your grandsons. Remember the day you stood before the LORD your God at Horeb, when the LORD said to me, ‘Assemble the people to Me, that I may let them hear My words so they may learn to fear Me all the days they live on the earth, and that they may teach their children.’ You came near and stood at the foot of the mountain, and the mountain burned with fire to the very heart of the heavens: darkness, cloud and thick gloom. Then the LORD spoke to you from the midst of the fire; you heard the sound of words, but you saw no form–only a voice. So He declared to you His covenant which He commanded you to perform, that is, the Ten Commandments; and He wrote them on two tablets of stone. The LORD commanded me at that time to teach you statutes and judgments, that you might perform them in the land where you are going over to possess it.

Deuteronomy 4:1-14

The Word of God is to be taught. Yahweh calls people to proclaim and instruct others in truth. Be careful, however, that it is God’s truth that is taught, not the opinions and doctrines of people.

The Word of God is to be obeyed so we might live. Our lives on earth are a gift from God, but the life under discussion is the spirit created in the image of God. When Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life” He was teaching the same principle … to obey God is true spiritual life. God want us to “take possession” of the inheritance reserved in heaven.

The Word of God is sufficient for all of our needs. There is nothing I can add, so I must not add to it. There is nothing I do not need in it, so I must not omit anything. God is sharing divine wisdom and understanding with us so we can be wise and understanding. Adding and taking away from Truth is arrogant and foolish.

The Word of God alive in His people shows the world the love, righteousness, patience and mercy of Yahweh. When His people live out truth daily, then God is with us and in us. As the world sees us transformed into His image, the world gets a glimpse of God. When the people of God fail to live out His truth daily, the world gets a warped view of God.

Yahweh Elohim Shaddai, the self-existent, all-powerful One bound by His Word, instructs and calls us to obey not for His cruel pleasure, but for our well-being and the good of everyone we encounter. When we love God with our heart, soul, mind and strength and love our neighbor as ourselves, the world sees the love of God in us. When we love our enemies and bless those who persecute us, the world sees the grace and mercy of God in us.

As obedient children we follow God and go in and take possession of the life He has called us to live. Life in holiness, not perfection. Life in grace, not condemnation. Life in love, not indifference. Life in Christ, not the world. This “land” awaits – go in and take possession.

When people get it right, God is glorified and others are drawn to Him. When people get it wrong, God is misrepresented and people reject Him. For the Israelites under the Law of Moses, the sacrifices, behaviors and festivals would point them to Jesus. For the church that Jesus died for and sanctified, our living sacrifice, attitudes in our hearts and daily devotion will point the world to Jesus … or, our hypocrisy will drive them away.

Consider His nature. Consider His ways. Strive to love Him more!