Read Deuteronomy 9, Jeremiah 2, and 1 Corinthians 8.
This devotional is about Deuteronomy 9.
The book of Deuteronomy is the written form of a sermon by Moses in which teaches again the law of God to the new generation of Israel. The previous generation of Israelites died in the wilderness on their way to the Promised Land due to their unbelief and disobedience to God .That first generation was the group of adults who saw God’s miraculous powers in the exodus from Egypt. They were the ones who saw God’s presence in a cloud on Mt. Sinai (Ex 19:16-19) and heard his voice giving them the Ten Commandments (Ex 20: 1-19).
Now that generation has passed, so Moses is teaching their children God’s law here in Deuteronomy. In fact, the word “Deuteronomy” means “second law.” This “second law” however, is not new law, but a re-teaching of the law God had already given to Moses.
In the chapter we read today, Deuteronomy 9, Moses spoke about the near future when Israel would invade the Promised Land. In verses 1-2, Moses did not downplay the task ahead. Instead, he straightforwardly described the challenges Israel would face. He told them in verse 1 that they were about to face “nations greater and stronger” than Israel was. He said they have “large cities that have walls up to the sky.” So Israel was about to attack nations that had larger armies and well-fortified cities. Not exactly an easy job!
Verse 2 increases the tension in the situation, because not only does Israel need to defeat armies that are larger and better prepared, but the men themselves in these armies are “strong and tall” as verse 2 puts it. Imagine Shaquille O’Neil in his prime, but with the ability to shoot three pointers. Now imagine an entire team of men that tall, that strong, that skilled. Beating such a team in basketball would be tough. Defeating them in war would seem to be impossible. There was even a proverb about it recorded in verse 2: “Who can stand up against the Anakites?”
Well, who can? God–and those he empowers with his promises. Verse 3 says, “But be assured today that the Lord your God is the one who goes across ahead of you like a devouring fire. He will destroy them; he will subdue them before you. And you will drive them out and annihilate them quickly, as the Lord has promised you.”
That last phrase, “…as the Lord has promised you” is really important. How do you know that you will have God’s power in your life? Do the things God promises he will bless.
God has promised to bless his church He said, “The gates of hell will not prevail against it” (Matt 16:18).
God has promised to bless those who are seeking his kingdom and righteousness. Live for the future kingdom of Christ and seek to live a righteous life by faith and “all these things will be given to you as well” Jesus said in Matthew 6:33.
Are you looking in scripture for what God has promised to bless? Or are you asking God to bless what you want to do. If God has promised something for his people, it will happen. Neither the gates of hell nor the Anakites can stop God from what he wills to do.
The question is, are you and I doing what God has promised will succeed?