Near the end of his days, Moses reminded the Israelites of all that the Lord had revealed and done for them since bringing them out of Egypt. He explained that God wanted a people that “might know” Him, a people confidently convinced of His existence and trustworthiness. Moses also made it clear that they were from that day forward accountable for this knowledge. How has God made Himself to known to you? How have you responded to God’s revelation?
This is from Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain, describing the new economy of the kingdom of heaven. Instead of reciprocal response, the believer is to respond out of a new spiritual character, as God does. God’s kingdom people are to “love, do good, bless and pray” because this is what’s in them to do regardless of how others treat them. God’s people are revealing His character to the world by this. Jesus’ sermon is subversive to the world’s economy which says to respond in kind. Jesus says that we are to “love, do good, bless and pray” no matter how we are treated. The Jesus’ Way turns the world upside down.
The one who opens one hand to the Lord, and the other hand to those in need, finds that God’s blessing flows both to and through them. When God finds a giver, He entrusts them with a surplus knowing that they are trustworthy to keep on giving. But a miser never has enough. Misers are miserable, while givers are full of grace and joy.
The more that crowds gathered around Jesus, the more often He would “withdraw” to pray. Jesus modeled an important rhythm between doing ministry and personal devotion. We recognize the need for food and rest for our physical bodies after exerting work, but we often overlook the need for our souls to be replenished after doing ministry. Do you ever withdraw to pray?
Moses kept a journal of their journey and all that the Lord had done for them. In this, their story was preserved for the generations. Keeping a spiritual journal is faith-building because we can see what God has done in our lives over time.
Jesus answered all three of Satan’s temptations with Scripture. Luke gives a shortened version of the Deuteronomy 8:3 passage, which Matthew’s gospel quotes fully: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matt.4:4). Ironic that both the Luke and Matthew passages should have the same reference. Jesus overcame Satan with the power of God’s Word. We have this same Word available to us.
David knew how to get alone with God and find hope and encouragement from Him. He was careful to silence his own self-talk and listen for the voice of the Lord. When we allow the voice of worry (anxious self-talk) to fill our heads, discouragement abounds. At times like this we can say to ourselves, “Be quiet soul, wait and listen for God to speak.”
The continuity of leadership is an often overlooked step by the senior leader. But Moses prayed that the Lord would not leave the Israelites without a shepherd after his passing. The Lord answered Moses’ prayer and instructed him to lay hands on Joshua, setting him apart and investing him with authority. In this way, the people learned to follow Joshua as they had Moses and there was no breakdown in leadership nor unity. A great leader not only leads well himself, he also trains up and lays hands on the next generation of leaders.
The 84 year old widow, Anna was looking for the redemption of her people. She fasted, prayed, and spoke of this daily at the temple. Seeing the infant Jesus, she worshiped and gave thanks to God. Where are the modern day people like Anna who are looking for Christ’s return? If the Lord delays, I plan to still be preaching at 84 too.
Singing praises to God puts our hearts and heads in alignment with His. Even when (or especially when) we are weak, recognizing God as our Strength and Fortress in song, strengthens us to face what the day holds. Singing praises to God, we actually climb to the top of His fortress and see life from above.