Topic: Retelling the Journey (Deuteronomy)

Deuteronomy is primarily the retelling of the Law of Moses and the journey of Israel in the wilderness. Deuteronomy is also the most quoted Old Testament book in the gospels. When asked what the greatest commandment is, Jesus cites Deuteronomy 6:5: “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30). Jesus quotes Deuteronomy three times when the devil tempts Him in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1–11). Deuteronomy focuses on loving God and keeping His commandments (Deuteronomy 11:1), which is exactly what Christ expects of us (John 14:15).

Deuteronomy is built around three sermons from Moses. Those sermons are meant to instill in the people of Israel a sense of identity as the children of God.

A major portion of Deuteronomy is a warning—warning against the idolatry that is going to tempt them. Moses tells Israel they are going to go into a land that they did not get by their own power, in houses that they did not build, in fields that they did not plant. And then he says, they are going to forget the God who gave all those things to them, and they are going to worship false gods.

The warning of Deuteronomy is important for everyone who includes themselves in this story of redemption. God wants me to embed my little story into the larger story of redemption. Deuteronomy reminds us to live out of that identity as a child of God and know that you will face idols. Commit yourself again and again to remember; and in remembering, live in every sector of your life as a child of God. The warning is a warning for us all; it is just as important today as it was when it was spoken by Moses.

Quick outline of Deuteronomy

Recap of Israel’s journey from Egypt. (Chapters 1–3)
Recap of Israel’s relationship with God. (Chapters 4–10)
How to love God and keep His commandments. (Chapters 11–26)
Blessings, curses, and restoration. (Chapters 27–30)
The death of Moses. (Chapters 31–34)

Short video to assist in reading through Deuteronomy:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5QEH9bH8AU

See you Sunday!

Dr. Scott Kallem