I am currently doing an inductive study on the book of Deuteronomy, which is an incredibly exciting book and is all about forcefully advancing God’s kingdom. The title of “Deuteronomy” comes from the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Bible, and means “second law” or “repetition of the law.” When you read Deuteronomy, you will see many of the same laws outlined in Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers. It is a book written as a series of addresses from Moses to the people, who are positioned on the outskirts of the promised land (Canaan), ready to “enter the land to possess it” after 40 years of wandering in the wilderness.
As the new generation of Israelites is about to forcefully advance, Moses gives several addresses in which he reminds them of God’s love for Israel, His faithfulness in guiding them, and His commandments to obey. Deuteronomy 5 is generally remembered as a restating of the Ten Commandments, but nestled within this chapter is a very powerful verse:
“And you said, ‘Behold, the Lord our God has shown us His glory and His greatness, and we have heard His voice from the midst of the fire; we have seen today that God speaks with man, yet he lives.” (Deut. 5:24, NASB)
Did you see that? There are two amazing privileges God allows mankind to have:
1. He shows us His glory and His greatness. The Creator of heaven and earth, the great El Elyon, Most High God, reveals His glory and His greatness to humankind. As fallible and weak as we are, God still holds nothing back, demonstrating all the fullness of His nature and His great love for us.
2. He speaks with us. Talk about a privilege! The gods and godesses of Greek and Roman mythology were not personal; people worshipped them, but received no benefit of a personal relationship. Only the Almighty God who created humankind in His own image has the capacity for meaningful personal relationship. He created us not because He needed us, but because He wanted to share a relationship with us. He wants to speak with us and to spend time with us. He longs for our complete devotion to Him and to lavish every blessing upon us.
When I read Deuteronomy 5:24 this week, I was overwhelmed with a sense of what an amazing and awesome God we serve. I think I can echo the words of the psalmist: “O Lord, what is man, that you care for him, the son of man that you think of him?” (Ps. 144:3, NIV).
Thank you, Lord God, for taking notice of and loving us! May we ever praise You for your glory and your greatness!
Hey Sarah- I love Deuteronomy, as well. Thanks so much for posting this. Like you said, it’s very similar to Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers, but it’s got a slightly different tone for a different time. To remind God’s people of who they were as they started to forcefully advance into the promised land. Good stuff.
Heather Z
February 13th, 2008
Found this to be a huge encouragement to me today. Thanks Sarah!
Kristen
February 13th, 2008
The verse was a great encouragement to me this week as well, Kristen!
Sarah
February 13th, 2008