Words to God’s people

In Deut 7, Moses writes to Israel as they stand on the cusp of finally entering the Promised Land. Through this farewell speech, Moses highlights the enormity of the task at hand -- take possession of the land promised in partnership with God who gives the victory. In other words, they needed strength that they didn't have for this great task. At the same time, he also urged them to press forward in obedience to God's commands by persuading, reminding, and preaching to them God's work in redemption (the Exodus, Red Sea) for them. The strength necessary would be the blessed result of this grace-fuelled obedience, not their own willpower.

Through Moses' preaching, their faith was stirred up. This faith is not blind, irrational belief of the heart in absentia of the mind, but a reasoned trust that sees the reliability of the object of faith. Strength comes as a result of the believer seeing how true and faithful God is, how He breaks no promise, and how He has, is, and will act on our behalf.

Words also for us today

But what does mean for us today?

For the Christian, God has called us to an even heavier task as laid out in John 17. We need the strength to live in this anti-God world where everything -- our emotions, relationships, power structures draw us away from Him. We're only going to get His strength if we are so fuelled by grace that we can't help but obey, hear and follow Jesus. The more we see how trustworthy, reliable, good and strong He is according to His Word, the more we can borrow His strength.

So if you woke up this morning feeling weak, defeated, lost and just all-around "disabled", here are some things to consider and perhaps say to yourself. Each one of these is worthy of at least 10 mins of careful reflection:

  • I'm coming OUT of my limited thoughts about God INTO God's glorious thoughts about God from His Word (Ps 119:96)

  • OUT of my assumptions and disbelief INTO new adventures where the Lord can lead me (Ps 119:35);

  • OUT of the deathly worship of this world's idols INTO the freedom of treasuring Christ, the soul's delight (Ps 119:14);

  • OUT of my tainted sin INTO His magnificent righteousness (Ps 119:19-20);

  • OUT of my baggage of hurt experiences INTO the freedom of living for Him, not myself (Ps 119:5);

  • OUT of the foolishness that says I must be God INTO the wisdom of trusting Christ our Sovereign (Ps 119:98);

  • OUT of fear of failure and performance anxiety INTO the security of knowing Jesus always accepts and never rejects me (Ps 119:111);

  • OUT of sin habits enslaved to my flesh INTO serving Jesus in purity and gracious living (Ps 119:93);

  • OUT of feeling that I have so little and I could lose it INTO the assurance that says since I have Jesus, let goods and kindred go (Ps 119:14);

  • OUT of anxious prayerlessness INTO daily release and dependence on Him for everything (Ps 119:165);

  • OUT of out of my choking weakness INTO His abundant strength (Ps 119:141);

  • OUT of worrying about everything INTO the rest of putting my todays and tomorrows in His skilful, loving hands (Ps 119:133);

  • OUT of lies that say things are going to always be bad INTO the truth that promises the road to the Cross leads to the Crown (Ps 119:123);

  • OUT of the atheism that says you need to look out for you INTO the faith that says Jesus is risen, alive and reigning for His bride, the church (Ps 119:137-138).

Words to Israel in Deut 7 are also applicable and relevant for us today in Christ. Today, find new ways to tell yourself the Gospel according to Scripture and you will find strength for your soul!