http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy%203-4&version=NIV
So what is the one thing I take away from reading Deuteronomy 4? In a word: Discernment. Discernment has been a recurring theme in my life of late: in church and at work; with friends and with strangers. When I was child I can remember the prayers of grown-ups asking God for the gift discernment. “How dull,” I would think! “Of all the things to ask for, why choose discernment?” Of course life comes at you fast and as an adult you realize that you are never really as clever as you need to be. If we are ever going to navigate through this world, we need to listen to someone who sees things from a better vantage point and who has our best interest at heart.
In Deuteronomy 4 we see Moses and he knows what must soon transpire. He knows that God will not permit him to cross the river Jordan with his people. Because of this he knows he will not be there to instruct them and remind them about Yahweh: His ways, His promises, and His commands. Like a loving father, he wants to make certain that the children of Israel are properly equipped for their future, and he reminds them of the faithfulness God has demonstrated and urges them to remain obedient to Him. This leads in to verses 5 through 8, which of all the verses in this passage, resonated with me the most:
5See, I have taught you statutes and rules, as the LORD my God commanded me, that you should do them in the land that you are entering to take possession of it. 6 Keep them and do them, for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, 'Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.' 7For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the LORD our God is to us, whenever we call upon him? 8And what great nation is there, that has statutes and rules so righteous as all this law that I set before you today?
How blessed it would be to so highly regarded! What better way can we reflect the character of God but through the discernment we display in our lives – as individuals and as the church? What better way is there for us to build true community in this world but through the application of God’s truth in our decisions? What better way is there to lead others to Christ but through the active demonstration of His wisdom and His understanding? The answer is simple. There is no better way.
From this day forward, let’s pray like grown-ups. Let’s pray for discernment, so that we may be a blessing to all people in every situation.
Rock on, dear ones.
Chad Searcy
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In chapter 4, we also read an interesting outline of events by Moses. He outlines to us the entire story of God's plan for the Jewish people.
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v26 - God's wrath will come upon them
v27 They will be scattered into all the nations
v28 They will turn to other gods and worship the works of men's hands
v30 In the last days in their time of trouble, they will turn to God
v31 God will honor his covenant to save them
After about 2,000 thousand of years, we have seen the rebirth of the nation of Israel. God will honor His covenant. The religious leaders of Jesus day weren't able to discern the times of Jesus 1st coming. Jesus rebuked them from not discerning this. (Matt 16:3). We also need to discern the times of our day. Jesus is coming again to rule and reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Let us be discerning.