Title: Past History, Present Truth/Topic: God's Word

Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 5; Deuteronomy 6; Psalm 43; Mark 14

Scripture: Deuteronomy 5:3
3 It was not with our fathers that the LORD made this covenant, but with us, with all of us who are alive here today.

Observation: Moses is making his last speech to his people before they go on to the promised land without him. This is an amazing statement because the fathers of these people were with them when the covenant of God was given. They chose over and over again to doubt it and to disobey God and so they died in the desert without receiving the blessing of going into the promised land. The ones who are “alive today” will receive the benefits of the covenant as long as they follow its decrees. It is a timeless truth. It is not with our fathers, but with us who are alive today that God wishes to interact. As Jesus said, He is the God of the living, not the dead (Mark 12:27, Luke 20:38).

Application: The Word of God is past history but it is also present truth. If I read it simply as history I will miss what God wants to say to me today. As I read the Word, I need to ask questions about what it means for me in the here and now, what God is trying to teach me and guide me in presently so that I grow in my faith. If I don't approach the Word with this attitude it will just be dry history and my faith will become boring instead of transformational.

Prayer: Father, help me and others to always be seeking and asking the questions of how the words of your Word apply in our lives. Transform us into people who think and act like you.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.