40 Weeks of your Life: Deuteronomy
05-25-2006
by Vicky Beeching

Deuteronomy literally means "deuteros" (second) and "nomos" (law); the re-giving of much of the law we read, back in the book of Exodus. It also contains a lot of new material though, so don't let that title fool you into thinking this book is just a copy or a rehash of Exodus. Every book of Scripture is a unique and a highly valuable gift given to us from God, so Deuteronomy has much to say to our hearts.

Deuteronomy seems to consist of three different speeches, each given by Moses to the people of Israel. The first (chapters 1-4) remembers the past forty years spent in the wilderness, and some stern reminders of the need to follow and obey God. The second (chapters 5-26) echoes the Ten Commandments given in Exodus, and adds to it what we call "The Deuteronomic Code"; instructions on the way they must live in their new Land. In the third section (chapters 27-30) God sets before His people two roads and describes what they must do in order to receive the blessed life He longs to give them.

The setting of these speeches was probably the desert plains of Moab, and the timing - only weeks before he would die and they would enter into the Promised Land. So it was a crucial time for Israel and these were much needed words. Their hearts, like the terrain around them, was hard, dry and weary. These words fell like water on the desert soil.

What kind of season do you find yourself in right now? Life is constantly changing, so most of us are facing something that is changing or new. As we move ahead what we most need is a reminder of who God is, and what He has already spoken to us.

I remember my first day at elementary school. As my Mum packed my lunch, buttoned up my jacket and waved goodbye she barely paused for breath in between saying "remember to…" and "don't forget you need to…" and "make sure you never…" It's the way of love; giving advice that protects and assists, as someone you love spreads their wings and takes flight.

That's how I see Deuteronomy. Israel were about to take flight into their new homeland. As they stood at the doorway, with their wilderness wanderings coming to a close, God's father heart gave them His "don't forget to…" and "please take care to…" and "be really careful of", heart-to-heart conversation. It was for their preparation, their protection… and today it is for ours.

I've heard Christians say "Why should we bother reading the Old Testament law, when Christ has fulfilled and replaced it with His perfect sacrifice?" Perhaps after journeying through Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers, by now you are ready to depart from these detailed Law-Books! They are typically considered the toughest reading in the Scriptural canon, so congratulations for making it through!!

I think it is powerful and useful to read Old Testament law, because it reminds us of just how great a price Jesus paid. Think of the details in these books… the sacrifices, the preparations, the requirements for the kinds of creatures, the priestly clothing and rules… Think of how many animals' blood poured down on the altar over the years… Then think of that one perfect sacrifice made by Jesus upon that wooden cross. It shows how much His heavenly blood was worth, and what a gift we have in being freed from the Temple system and the Old Covenant Law!

Imagine a person released from jail after spending one night in custody there. They would feel great joy they feel at walking out and no longer being imprisoned. However - their joy would be far greater and deeper had they been freed from death row. Their relief and gratitude would be vastly more profound. Reading the Law Books in the Old Testament is like us realising just how great the sentence of sin and death over humanity are. Once we see the severity and complexity of the Law and sacrificial system, we feel an even deeper sense of relief and joy in knowing Jesus has paid that incredible price for us.

Lets celebrate that today!