Journal 23-8-2009

Journal 23-8-2009

Scripture

Deuteronomy 27:1-10 (English Standard Version)

The Altar on Mount Ebal

¹Now Moses and the elders of Israel commanded the people, saying, "Keep the whole commandment that I command you today. ²And on the day you cross over the Jordan to the land that the LORD your God is giving you, you shall set up large stones and plaster them with plaster. ³ And you shall write on them all the words of this law, when you cross over to enter the land that the LORD your God is giving you, a land flowing with milk and honey, as the LORD, the God of your fathers, has promised you. ⁴And when you have crossed over the Jordan, you shall set up these stones, concerning which I command you today, on Mount Ebal, and you shall plaster them with plaster.⁵And there you shall build an altar to the LORD your God, an altar of stones. You shall wield no iron tool on them; ⁶you shall build an altar to the LORD your God of uncut stones. And you shall offer burnt offerings on it to the LORD your God, ⁷and you shall sacrifice peace offerings and shall eat there, and you shall rejoice before the LORD your God. ⁸And you shall write on the stones all the words of this law very plainly."

Curses from Mount Ebal

⁹Then Moses and the Levitical priests said to all Israel, "Keep silence and hear, O Israel: this day you have become the people of the LORD your God. ¹⁰You shall therefore obey the voice of the LORD your God, keeping his commandments and his statutes, which I command you today."

Observation

God asks for 2 things. Firstly, we are to keep God’s commandment, Second we are to write them. Writing things certainly improves memory and increases focus. God has certainly been faithful when we are faithful. We are also asked to give burnt and peace offerings once we receive God’s blessing. We are to give back a portion of what God has given us with thanksgiving. In v 9, we are asked to keep silence and hear. In my understanding, we are asked to shut up and listen. Many times we talk to God and then expect him to answer our prayer and we end with Amen. We do not give God chance to talk at all. The minute we finish praying, we mind our business. Finally, in v10, we are again asked to obey his commandments and statutes. When God emphasizes something twice in a short passage, it must be something very important to embed in our minds. “You shall obey” has been the main theme of Deuteronomy.

Application

I must keep God’s commandments.

I must write them down.

I must be faithful in my tithes and offerings.

I must shut up and listen. I must give God time to speak.

I must always remember to obey God.

Response

Lord, I thank you for reminding me again to keep your commands. Help me to write things down. Teach me to always be faithful in tithing and giving my offerings faithfully to you. Speak to me Lord. Sorry for always rushing my prayers. Teach me to always remember your goodness and faithfulness. Amen.