in retrospect: the end

Posted on July 2, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

mosesatneboDeuteronomy 34

Why did God not let Moses cross over the Jordon to set foot in the promised land before he died?  Partly it was because of his sin, but there is more to it than that.  Moses’ life serves as a kind of analogy for us.  He comes to an end of a long and fruitful life – and it stops.  He does not see the fulfillment of his dreams and aspirations. He must await a resurrection for that.

Likewise, we – who live today and seek to do God’s will – will not get our reward at death.  But our next conscious moment will be a resurrection in which we see Jesus face to face.  The one who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion.  Death is not the end; it is merely a dramatic pause in the story.

LORD, help us to live fully until the end – knowing that it is not really the end.

Posted in dependence upon God, resurrection, sleep of death | Tagged | 1 Comment

in retrospect: leaving a legacy

Posted on July 1, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

mosesatneboDeuteronomy 32:48-33:29

Moses blesses the tribes just before he climbs Mount Nebo.  He has an appointment. All of us do (Hebrews 9:27). 

In the end, Moses showed fatherly love to the nation and blessed them.  His fight was over. It was up to the next generation to carry on the battles – to overcome in the LORD’s name.  Memories of Moses would encourage them to pay less attention to trivial matters, and more attention to the eternal God, who is their dwelling place (33:27). 

LORD, show us how to leave a legacy that points people to you.

Posted in encouragement, faithfulness, leadership | Tagged , | 2 Comments

in retrospect: no empty word

Posted on June 30, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

mosesatneboDeuteronomy 31:30-32:47

Moses’ retirement speech was not a series of platitudes and celebration of the past.  He shared a warning for the generations that followed.  God is not like the gods of the nations that the Israelites are about to conquer.  God is perfection and justice.  He is a father who loves and disciplines his children.  If they rebel, the only thing that will keep them from being destroyed is the fact that their enemies would think they did it.  Moses’ warning is no empty word.  History will show that the nation will many times come to the brink of destruction, only to be miraculously preserved.  God still has a plan for his people.

LORD, forgive us for ignoring the warnings in your word. They are not empty.

Posted in dependence upon God, enemies, ethnic Israel, judgment, plan of God | Tagged , | 2 Comments

in retrospect: the source of strength and courage

Posted on June 29, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

mosesatneboDeuteronomy 31:1-29

Moses knew that the people were going to rebel against the LORD.  But he also knew that the LORD was going to take them into his promised land.  He encouraged them to be strong and courageous,  not in order for God to work among them, but because he had chosen to do so.  Our strength and courage comes from our faith that God is with us.

LORD, give us a vision of your presence. That is all the strength and courage that we will need.

Posted in church, confidence, courage, discernment | Tagged | 1 Comment

in retrospect: a simple choice

Posted on June 28, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

mosesatneboDeuteronomy 30:11-20

As strange and complicated as the Mosaic law seems, it must not have been so to the Israelites. They must have naturally known what kinds of choices pleased the LORD and what kinds were idolatrous. So, following the LORD came down to a simple choice. As long as their heart did not turn away from it, that choice would ensure peace and life in the land. Here is where we can see a clear parallel to the promises that Jesus makes in the Gospels. He sets before us the hope of eternal life, and the joy of divine peace. Our choice is simple. It is not a hard choice.

LORD, give us the wisdom to make the simple choice, and the strength to stay the course when the enemy seeks to divert us from it.

Posted in discernment, discipleship, eternal life, faith, Jesus Christ, relationship with God | Tagged | 1 Comment

in retrospect: the secretly disobedient

Posted on June 27, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

mosesatneboDeuteronomy 29:1-30:10

“The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law. (Deuteronomy 29:29 ESV)

Moses called on the Israelites and all those with them in the camp of Israel to be openly and honestly obedient to the covenant.  There would be those tempted to put on a show of obedience while harboring a devotion to another god or gods. Moses warned that these people will be like diseased roots within the nation, and would bring disaster.

Nevertheless, he also reminded the people that their God was forgiving, and would return the outcasts and restore the fortunes of the repentant.  

LORD, give us a heart to be openly and honestly obedient to you.

Posted in commitment, discipleship, integrity, obedience | Tagged , | 2 Comments

in retrospect: what if?

Posted on June 26, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

mosesatneboDeuteronomy 28:15-68

Moses was an old man, and the Israelites associated him with their past – which they wanted to forget. 

“Well, OK”, says Moses, “as long as you learn the lessons from the past, you can concentrate on the future.”  But his fear was that they had not learned the lessons of the past.  They still had the urge to forsake the LORD – to rebel.

So Moses challenged them to envision a future after rebelling against the God who rescued them.  It was a horrible sight.  The most undreamed-of consequences would follow if the nation rejected its Savior.  Outside of his protection, every possible curse would fall upon them.

These are not the words of a vindictive old man.  They are the heart of a father, reaching out to his children, seeking their restoration and peace.

LORD, whenever we envision life without you, we recoil in horror.  Keep us close, and surrounded by your protective arms.

Posted in commitment, dependence upon God, discernment, faithfulness | Tagged | 1 Comment

in retrospect: health and prosperity

Posted on June 25, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

mosesatneboDeuteronomy 28:1-14

We testify to the existence and goodness of God by our actions.  Health and prosperity can be part of that testimony.  If we are careful to do what God wants, he is free to open up his good treasury (12) and bless us.  But let us not think for one moment that we can manipulate him.  He is God, and he knows our motives.  If he ever sees us in a heart of greed or selfishness, then all our good works will have availed nothing.  We do not devote ourselves to him or his word FOR the blessings.  He chooses to bless for his name’s sake.

LORD, bless us as we follow you, so that the world that needs you may know where to find you.

Posted in integrity, kingdom of God, obedience | Tagged | 1 Comment

in retrospect: dos and don’ts

Posted on June 24, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

mosesatneboDeuteronomy 27

Our relationship with God is by grace, not on the basis of what we have done or not done.  It also not on the basis of what we are doing, might do, or will do.  We did not, and cannot earn our salvation.  But once we claim to have been rescued by the grace of God, the world will be looking for evidence to back up that assertion.  It is then that confirming the words of God’s law comes into play (26). 

Our lives should reflect and demonstrate the relationship that God initiated by his grace.  If they do not, then we are in effect calling down curses upon ourselves.  The LORD is a jealous God.  He cannot tolerate it when his bride takes his name, and then has an affair with the Adversary.

LORD, help us to remain faithful to your name and your word.  Help us to remember the consequences of breaking faith.

Posted in discipleship, faithfulness, grace, growth, obedience | Tagged | 1 Comment

in retrospect: gifts of rejoicing

Posted on June 23, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

mosesatneboDeuteronomy 26

The firstfruits and tithes were not taxes of obligation. They were gifts that the Israelites had opportunity to give because God had promised to bless them with an abundance.  The little ceremony that accompanied the gifts was a means of celebrating God’s grace.  The rituals we perform as Christians are that as well.   It is such a great feeling to have and be able to give to help those who minister at home and throughout the planet.  What a joy it is to write out a check and put my church’s name on it!

LORD, thank you for the joy we can experience when we give to those serving in your name.

Posted in giving, grace, ministry, worship | Tagged | 1 Comment