The Book of Deuteronomy marks a turning point in the history of God's Chosen People. For the previous 40 years, they had been through many unforgettable experiences under the leadership of Moses. He had led them out of enslavement in Egypt and through the wilderness to receive God's laws at Mount Sinai. Then, because of their rebellion and unfaithfulness, they had wandered aimlessly in the desert for two generations. Now they were camped on the eastern border of Canaan, the land which God had promised as their homeland.

Moses sensed that the people would face many new temptations as they settled in the land and established permanent dwellings among the pagan Canaanites. Moses also realized that his days as their leader were drawing to a close. He used this occasion to remind the people of their heritage as God's special people and to challenge them to remain faithful to God and His laws.

The logical conclusion is that Moses wrote the first 33 chapters of the book. Chapter 34, about his death, probably was added by his successor Joshua as a tribute to Moses. The date of writing must have been some time around 1400 B.C.

The New Testament contains more than 80 quotations from the Book of Deuteronomy, so it must be rated as one of the foundational books of the Sacred Scripture/Holy Bible. Jesus Himself often quoted from it. During His temptation, He answered Satan with quotations from Sacred Scripture. - Deut. 6:13-16, 8:2-3; Matt. 4:4-10; Luke 4:4-12 -

When Jesus was asked to name the most important commandment in the Law, He responded with the familiar call from "Deuteronomy: "You shall love the Lord your God with all you heart, with all your soul and with all your might". He then added some other important words from the Book of Leviticus to show that He was carrying the law one step further: "The second [commandment] is like it: "You shall love your neighbour as yourself" - Lev. 19:18; Matt. 22:36-40; Mark 12:28-31; Luke 10:25-28 -

God is faithful to His Covenant People, those whom He has called to carry out His purpose of Redemption in the world. The Hebrews were chosen as God's instruments not because they were a worthy, powerful people but because He loved them and desired to bless the rest of the world through their influence. This is still God's purpose as He continues to call people to follow Him and commit themselves to His purpose in their lives. - Deut. 7:6-11 -

Some people look upon the laws of God in the Old Testament as burdensome and restrictive. The Book of Deuteronomy, however, teaches that God's laws are given for our own good to help us stay close to Him in our attitudes and behaviour. Thus, Moses called on the people to keep God's statutes, 'which I command you today for your good'. - Deut. 10:13 - The intention of God's law is positive; passages in the New Testament that seem to condemn the law must be interpreted in this light. It is the misuse or abuse of the law - trusting it rather than God's mercy as the basis of our salvation - that we should avoid. God's law is fulfilled in the person of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Do not imagine that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to complete them. I tell you solemnly, till heaven and earth disappear, not one dot, not one little stroke, shall disappear from the Law until its purpose is achieved. Therefore, the man who infringes even one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be considered the least in the kingdom of heaven; but the man who keeps them and teaches them will be considered great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, if your virtue goes no deeper than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven. - Matt. 5:17-20 -

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Sunday, May 24, 2009

I have through years of reading, pondering, reflecting and contemplating, the 3 things that last; FAITH . HOPE . LOVE and I would like to made available my sharing from the many thinkers, authors, scholars and theologians whose ideas and thoughts I have borrowed. God be with them always. Amen!

I STILL HAVE MANY THINGS TO SAY TO YOU BUT THEY WOULD BE TOO MUCH FOR YOU NOW. BUT WHEN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH COMES, HE WILL LEAD YOU TO THE COMPLETE TRUTH, SINCE HE WILL NOT BE SPEAKING AS FROM HIMSELF, BUT WILL SAY ONLY WHAT HE HAS LEARNT; AND HE WILL TELL YOU OF THE THINGS TO COME.

HE WILL GLORIFY ME, SINCE ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. EVERYTHING THE FATHER HAS IS MINE; THAT IS WHY I SAID: ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. - JOHN 16:12-15 -