Old Testament
1. In Deuteronomy 4, Moses explained God's deliverance of this generation's parents from Egypt.
2. In chapter 5 we a new and striking emphasis. Moses moved from history to Israel's now. He insisted that God sought relationship "not with our fathers" with with whom the Law covenant was made, "but with us, with all of us who are alive here today."
3. The nature of the relationship with God
- Love is personal (5:1-3). The relationship is between "us, who are...alive here," and Yahweh (God)
- Love is urgent (5:4-14). The urgency of the relationship is emphasized in the first 4 of the Ten Commandments, all of which are repeated here from Exodus 20. God wants our eyes fixed on Him. As any lover, God is unwilling to share our affections with competitors. God will not share with other gods- whether they be idols of the ancient world or the financial success of the modern.
- Love is demonstrated (5:15) Love that make us feel that we "belong" must be demonstrated. How clearly God had demonstrated to this generation His personal and practical involvement with them. Christ is the ultimate demonstration of God's love for us. But each of us can find many other special ways in which God has acted in our lives to show His love.
- Love is expressive (5:16-20) Here we see God's willingness to communicate His expectations.
- Love is unselfish (5:21-33) This is the last element of real love. It is expressed in these verses. God enters into relationship with us and speaks to us.We are not pawns in some cosmic game. We are not His playthings. No, God's love for us is unselfish. He honestly has our best interests at heart.
4. Chapter 6 deals with the communication of relationship
- We give God priority (6:1-9) The reality of God's love can only be communicated by those who give Him priority. The central command here is,"Love the Lord your God with all your heart." All flows from this, for such a love leads to a unique lifestyle. First the lover of God responds to Him. Second, we share that which has taken root in our lives with people who are close to us. Third, the context in which the reality of God is shared is that of daily life and activity. God's words are the touchstone which guide our lives. And we refer to them to explain our actions, our attitudes and all our ways.
- We assume God's presence (6:10-19)
- We rely on God's provision (6:20-25)
- How thrilling to be freed by His love to love others!
New Testament
5. Jesus raises a widow's son.
- The lesson for us is that no matter how spiritually dead we may have been, Jesus is capable of awakening us to new life. First comes faith. And the we too hear Jesus' words: Arise!
6. John's disciples had seem miracles foretold in the Old Testament. The ministry of Jesus focused on people. Jesus came to reach out to people, to heal, to save, to bring hope. To care.
Psalm
Proverbs
7. "The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life"
8. "If the righteous are rewarded here on earth, what will happen to wicked sinners? "
See you next post...
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