Wednesday 27 August 2008

Background

The book of Deuteronomy draws to a close the story of thejourney of the Israelites across the wilderness. It ends with thedeath of Moses.

As Moses prepares to hand over the leadership to Joshua he remindsthe people of all that they have been through. In chapter5 Moses proclaims again the Ten Commandments which hadbeen given to them 40 years earlier. The book continues with Mosesteaching the people what God will require of them when they settlein their new homeland. They will face new temptations when theylive in a land where people worship idols.

After all these lectures, chapter 32 is a long hymn celebrating allthat God has done for the Israelites. Moses gives his own testimonyto God who has been the 'Rock' on which his whole life has beenbuilt and he expresses his conviction that everything that hashappened to them has come from God.

The Israelites give thanks for God's gifts of food and water in thedesert and as they start to engage in warfare with the people wholived in the Jordan valley, Moses proclaims that both victory anddefeat will be acts of God.

To Ponder

Are you able to give thanks to God in allcircumstances? In times of sorrow as well as in times of joy? Whatare you most likely to say to God in the hard times?

When we see bad things happening to good people,to what extent is it more important to believe that God is goodthan to believe that God is controlling everything thathappens?