In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses was giving the people a huge pep-talk. He was reminding them of how they got from point A to point B. From Egypt to the promised land. He reminded them of God’s deliverance. Of their sin. Of all their traveling. He reminded them of all the commandments that God had given to them. He then urged them to be obedient to God when they went into Canaan. Obey God. Be faithful. Don’t sin. It was exactly what the people needed to hear before they took possession of the land.
One thing that sticks out to me in reading Moses’ words is what he says about the people obeying God’s commandments in Deuteronomy 4:5-6. He told them, “See, 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. 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.’“ Moses was telling them that they were a special people. They were God’s people. They had the presence of God dwelling with them. They had the very Word of God to guide them and bless them. Moses said that obeying God’s law would be their wisdom and understanding. When the nations around them would see it and hear it they would see how special Israel was. Their wisdom. Their understanding. The way the lived and obeyed God. Moses went on to say, “For 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? And what great nation is there, that has statutes and rules so righteous as all this law that I set before you today?” (vv 7-8). There ain’t nobody like our God. There ain’t nobody greater than those who have God on their side. There ain’t nothin’ greater than God’s law and His Word. Israel was truly God’s special nation. Moses wanted them to understand that and live up to it.
Today, we as Christians are God’s special people. We have God’s Word. We have a relationship with God Almighty. He hears our prayers. He cares for us. He is near to us. What is greater than having a relationship with God? What is greater than His Word? Nothing. So, are we obeying God? Are we living His great and righteous Word? When people see us do they see someone who is wise and understanding because we are following Jesus? Or do they not see us as wise and understanding because we are living for ourselves in our own way? Are we living up to the great God we serve? Are we living out His commandments?
There is no god like our God. His law is perfect. More to be desired than gold. Let’s be the special people God has called us to be. Let’s be wise and understanding. Wisdom and understanding is only going to come from God’s Word. Do you know God’s Word? Are you doing it? Let’s do it. Let’s show others that we are living for God. Let’s encourage others to know God and obey Him. Be wise. Be understanding. Be God’s.
A Cord of Blue 