TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Proverbs 26:1-28
Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither. - Psalm 37:1–2
TODAY IN THE WORD
A few years ago, the book Dealing with Difficult People became a best-seller. If today’s passage were a book, it would be entitled, Fools, Sluggards, and Troublemakers: Recognizing Difficult People.

Recall that Proverbs presents three types of people. The simple are open to instruction, and Proverbs was written for them. The wise receive and apply wisdom. They flourish and are a blessing. The foolish, however, reject God’s wisdom. They deceive and seduce others. In the end, they come to ruin.

Today we see that fools come in many flavors! Before looking at this unsavory crowd, recall the twofold purpose for these sayings. First, they reveal fools’ true nature so that we won’t be ensnared by them. This doesn’t mean that we don’t love and pray for such people, it just means that we’re careful in our dealings with them.

Second, these proverbs caution us to avoid these characteristics in our own lives. Proverbs gives us “black and white” portraits of certain types of individuals to make these traits very clear to us. Within any one of us, both wise and foolish traits vie for control, and we need to be able to distinguish between them.

The first section reviews the nature of fools (vv. 1–12). The rod (v. 3) underscores how fools resist instruction . . . you can’t even beat sense into them. Because a fool is stubborn and lacks sense, it’s pointless to debate him (vv. 4–5). In fact, to do so will make him think he’s wise! But, in fact, a fool’s “wisdom” is lame and ineffective. Verse 11 graphically shows that fools like being obstinate. Clearly foolishness is a choice, not an IQ level.

When it comes to irresponsibility, the fool’s cousin is the sluggard (vv. 13-16). He invents perils to get out of work so that he can stay in bed (vv. 13–14). Because of his excuses, he can’t see that the problem is really his own laziness.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
It’s easy to read today’s passage and say, “Wow! I know someone like that!” or “That describes So-and-So perfectly!” But it’s much harder to read these proverbs and ask, “How am I like a fool, a sluggard, or a troublemaker?”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Proverbs 27:1-27
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. - Proverbs 27:17
TODAY IN THE WORD
The “how to” industry is big business! Thousands of books are published annually instructing people how to do any number of things, from making money to decorating your home. One topic that frequently comes up in advice columns or magazine articles is how to find meaningful relationships, including how to find friends.

As we’ve seen, Proverbs is much more than a “how to” book, yet it’s not surprising that God’s Word would have much to say about how to find good friends. As we’ll see, the focus in Proverbs is on how to be a true friend.

For one thing, being a good friend means not being boastful (v. 2). No one wants to hear someone go on endlessly about his or her own accomplishments. There’s certainly a place for sharing successes with one’s friends, but there needs to be balance. As a wise old person once said, “A person wrapped up in himself makes a very small package!”

Being a good friend also means being honest. It’s easy to say things that you think people want to hear or things that will make them like you, but Proverbs shows us that honesty between friends, even when its painful, is a gift (vv. 5–6). Love that conceals is not really love at all, because who would want a friend to persist in a bad habit or some area of sin? Verse 14 refers to insincere (loud) words of blessing uttered at the wrong time (early in the morning). This type of insincerity and insensitivity is like a curse. A good friend, however, is like sweet perfume (v. 9). There’s joy in sincere fellowship as well as in honest challenging that helps us mature (v. 17). A good friend is also faithful, available at a moment’s notice to help out (v. 10).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If we were to write a “how to” book on friendship based on Proverbs, we might call it Love, Blessings, and Honesty: Being a True Friend.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Proverbs 30:1-33
We have not stopped asking God to fill you with knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom. - Colossians 1:9
TODAY IN THE WORD
The English author John Bunyan once said, “In prayer, it is better to have heart without words, than words without heart. Prayer will make a man cease from sin.” The prayer of Agur, recorded in today’s passage, is clearly a prayer that urges us to cease from sin, especially arrogance.

This section begins with a desperate plea for wisdom because of the profound limits of human understanding (vv. 1–4). Humility is crucial for pursuing wisdom and receiving instruction. The response to this plea begins with God’s perfect word and a twofold prayer focusing on honesty and humility. The supplicant wants to be spared from circumstances that would damage his character by enticing him to either arrogance or thievery.

The exhortation against slander (v. 10) precedes four verses describing arrogance and insolence. Each of these mini-portraits is the opposite of godly character. This is followed by an almost comic picture of the leech’s twin daughters (v. 15). Like a blood-sucking leech, greed drains the life from a person. The following four images, however, are anything but funny. They show that a greedy appetite is insatiable and tragic.

The rest of this chapter contains four sets of proverbs, each comparing four things. The number four may indicate the universal nature of the observations. First, we begin with four things that cause marvel (vv. 18–19). In sharp contrast to the natural way of these wonders is the unnatural way of the adulteress (v. 20). Second, we find four situations that are universally feared (vv. 21–23). Third, we find four things that appear to be weak, but which in reality are remarkable. Ants know how to provide for themselves; conies (small mammals) know how to shelter themselves; locusts know how to organize themselves; and lizards know how to find their way into palaces! The final group of four are those who move with stately dignity (vv. 29–31).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Although this is the first prayer that we have seen recorded in Proverbs, we have hinted several times previously that prayer and wisdom go hand in hand. In Proverbs, prayer is often assumed. Just as the Holy Spirit leads us into God’s wisdom, so too prayer opens our hearts to receive it.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Proverbs 31:1-9; 16:11-13
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. - Proverbs 31:8
TODAY IN THE WORD
It’s seems appropriate during February to consider an event from the life of George Washington.

In 1789, Gouverneur Morris urged Washington to seek the presidency. In his appeal, Morris wrote: “No constitution is the same on paper and in life. The exercise of authority depends upon personal character. Your cool steady temper is indispensably necessary to give a firm and manly tone to the new government.”

This type of personal character is exactly what is urged in the “Sayings of King Lemuel.” As we have seen before, the importance of godly leadership is stressed in Proverbs. Although we don’t have a monarchy in the United States, we can still apply these profound insights to leadership in general.

If we were to attend management training or a leadership seminar today, we probably wouldn’t hear the exhortations found in verses 3 through 7! But these verses depict poor leadership, which abuses power to indulge in personal lusts. Sadly, history brims with political leaders infamous for their sexual exploits. Solomon himself fell prey to this temptation. 1 Kings 11:4 says, “As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God.” This section also warns against alcohol abuse, and we could extend this warning to any form of substance abuse. Because leaders need clear thinking, anything that prevents this should be avoided.

The final two verses outline the essence of true leadership. Rather than abuse their power, those in leadership have an obligation to assist the helpless. Today we might call this group “marginalized,” or “disenfranchised.” These people are without representation in society; it might include the homeless or the mentally incompetent. Leaders are urged to protect these individuals.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Justice is a concern that runs through the entire Bible, not just Proverbs. In Proverbs, however, this theme is prevalent, and is often bound up with righteousness, equity, honesty, and integrity. All who seek wisdom will eventually manifest these characteristics. Because of the great responsibilities placed on leaders, these qualities become all the more important. If you have some type of leadership role, pray that these qualities will grow in you. At the same time, pray that those who are in leadership will mature in these areas.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Proverbs 31:10-31
Wisdom . . . is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. - James 3:17
TODAY IN THE WORD
An acrostic poem takes a word and uses each letter of that word to begin a line in the poem. For example, an acrostic poem about God might look like this:
G – Gracious
O – One
D – Deliverer
Proverbs 31:10-31 is an acrostic poem; each line begins with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

For centuries, godly women have aspired to emulate the outstanding woman of virtue described here. And although it’s possible that this poem depicts the ideal woman, it’s also likely that this is a final portrait of personified Woman Wisdom whom we met in Proverbs 1–9. Recall from Proverbs 9:1 that Woman Wisdom built her house; today’s passage lets us look inside! This beautiful poem also helps summarize some lessons we’ve learned this month.

We see right away that noble Wisdom is more precious than gems, just as we saw throughout Proverbs, especially 3:13–15. She is trustworthy and brings blessing and goodness to those who embrace her. Recall the praise song for Wisdom’s numerous blessings, the most important of which is life itself (see Prov. 3:16–20).

She is diligent and provides for her family. This is like the little ant that puts the sluggard to shame (Prov. 6:6–8)! Her dealings are far-reaching and profitable, yet she uses her profit to help the poor. As we saw yesterday, concern for the disadvantaged runs deeply throughout Proverbs. We also see that Wisdom is kind and has a healthy perspective on life (v. 25). Her character reflects strength and dignity. Finally, Wisdom is eager to instruct others. This ties together two important themes in Proverbs: the power of speech and the call to godly leadership.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As a way to wrap up our study through Proverbs, why not write your own acrostic poem using the word wisdom?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ruth 1:1-22
Your people will be my people and your God my God. - Ruth 1:16
TODAY IN THE WORD
The conversion of Nicky Cruz was dramatized in the movie The Cross and the Switchblade. But he had a past even darker than leading a brutal gang. His parents practiced Satanic worship, tormenting and terrifying their young son. He was friendless, since other children were afraid of his family. Despite the overwhelming darkness, Cruz looks back now and sees how God was working: “I do believe that loneliness is the force that drove me into the arms of somebody that I used to hate, and I never knew him. It drove me into the arms of God and Jesus Christ and that was a good pay off.”

We've journeyed through the book of Judges, seeing increasing darkness as Israel rejected God. But as we turn now to study the book of Ruth—which takes place during the time of Judges—we see how God continued to work out the salvation of His people.

This beautiful love story has no parallel with other literature from its time period. There are other short stories from the ancient Near East, but there, unlike the book of Ruth, we have no examples of women as the main characters. In fact, the book is not only named for a woman but a foreign woman! This fact alone should grab our attention—God has included the story of a young, poor, foreign widow in His Word to teach us something remarkable about how He works.

As the story opens, we see that Naomi and her family have chosen to leave Israel and go to Moab. Not only do they leave their land, but the sons marry foreign women, a direct violation of God's covenant with His people (see Deut. 7:3). Then tragedy strikes as Naomi loses her husband and both sons. She decides to return to Judah, but she feels empty and bitter toward God (v. 20).

In contrast to Naomi (and most of the book of Judges!), Ruth models faithfulness by choosing God and His people. This Moabite woman, who was free to stay with her people and idols, chose to accompany her bitter mother-in-law and worship the God of Israel.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
One key theme in the book of Ruth is redemption. God takes tragedy and redeems it into beauty, love, restoration, and salvation. As we study this book, spend some time prayerfully reflecting on your own life. What choices and experiences has God redeemed for you? How have you seen His hand working through darkness? How has He brought restoration and salvation into your life? You may want to record these as a testament to God's faithfulness and an encouragement to praise Him.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ruth 2:1-23
The Lord bless him! . . . He has not stopped showing his kindness to the living and the dead. - Ruth 2:20
TODAY IN THE WORD
Booker T. Washington was born into slavery, and as a child after emancipation, he worked in coal and salt mines to support his destitute family. Yet he always believed that former slaves and their children and grandchildren were capable of succeeding in education, science, and business, and he went on to found the Tuskegee Institute. He left a legacy of hard work, initiative, and opportunities that has inspired millions of people.

Today we will see another theme in the book of Ruth: initiative. Ruth arrived in Bethlehem having made the choice to leave the comfort of food and family and home. While Naomi proclaimed her bitterness, Ruth showed initiative and got right to work (v. 2).

An interesting little phrase sits in the middle of verse 3; the niv translates it, “As it turned out.” It's almost a little wink from the writer, as if to alert us that something that seemed so random, so coincidental, was really a demonstration of God's direction. When Ruth took the initiative to glean in the fields, she had no idea what would follow. But God blessed that step by leading her to the fields of Boaz.

Boaz models faithfulness in our passage today through his extraordinary kindness to a stranger, a foreign-born widow with a lower social rank than even servants (v. 13). To appreciate fully Boaz's generosity, remember the examples we have just read in Judges.What a contrast to the men of Gibeah who offered no hospitality, generosity, or protection to the visitors in their city! The text also indicates that not all field owners were so kind as Boaz; others might embarrass or even mistreat the women who gleaned (v. 22).

In the dramatic arc of this short story, verse 20 is the turning point. Upon hearing that Boaz is the man showing such kindness to Ruth, Naomi roused from her gloominess. She seemed to recall that indeed, the Lord was good and had not abandoned her. Perhaps her emptiness would not be the end of her story.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Boaz might have felt justified in removing Ruth from his fields. He could have instructed his workers to harass her. He lived in the time of Judges—he could have just fit in with the culture around him and sought to maximize his own gain. But Boaz chose faithfulness, kindness, and generosity instead. We may be surrounded by a culture that promotes greed, self-absorption, and rudeness, but we can still choose to live differently. We can still choose to reflect God's character to those around us.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ruth 3:1-18
All my fellow townsmen know that you are a woman of noble character. - Ruth 3:11
TODAY IN THE WORD
Comedians love to make jokes about intrusive and assertive mothers-in-law. But in our reading today, Naomi demonstrates initiative and action that would have won her a “Mother-in-Law of the Year” award.

We might guess that the prospect of rich provider had motivated Naomi to urge Ruth to immediately pursue Boaz. Actually, the text tells us that quite a bit of time went by between Ruth's first meeting with Boaz until the events in this chapter (see 1:22; 2:23). Ruth and Naomi had ample opportunity to see the character of Boaz and his treatment of Ruth.

Next, we observe commendable action on the part of all three main characters. The last time that Naomi and her family faced a crisis, they pulled up stakes and left Israel. On this occasion, though, Naomi acted on the principle of the kinsman-redeemer that God had set up (see Lev. 25). Naomi's idea was consistent with the Lord's provision for preserving the property and family inheritance of those who had suffered hardship. And finally Naomi acted as though she had some hope in God's ability to provide.

Ruth's obedience and action was in line with what we have seen since chapter 1. Her time in Bethlehem had been long enough to establish a reputation, and her noble character was universally acknowledged (v. 11).

Boaz reacts to the situation in an interesting way. From what the writer tells us, it seems clear that he was attracted to Ruth from the first time they met. And he certainly had paid attention to what sort of woman she was. He even knew about their family relationship. So why had he not acted on the kinsman-redeemer possibility earlier? Given their age difference, it seems that Boaz was uncertain about whether Ruth would want to be married to him (v. 10).

Now that Ruth had, in effect, asked him to marry her through fulfilling the role of the kinsman-redeemer, Boaz expressed his great joy.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
God has provided directions for many of the challenges that we face in life—but like Naomi, we have to know His Word in order to discover His leading. Reading through long passages of Scripture at a time (entire books if possible) gives us context. Digging deep in studying smaller chunks of God's Word gives us greater understanding of particular stories or arguments. And memorizing verses or chapters allows the Word to penetrate deeply into our being where the Holy Spirit will use it to shape and direct us.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ruth 4:1-22
Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of King David. - Matthew 1:5-6
TODAY IN THE WORD
On their fiftieth wedding anniversary in 1992, Thomas and Ann Johnson recalled how they met and married. “I'd had my eye on Ann for about a year but I was nervous to ask her out. When I heard I'd be shipped out to the war, I found Ann in the library and just asked her to marry me! Turns out she liked me, we got married a week later, and here we are after fifty happy years!”

Boaz would have understood; once he found out that Ruth was willing to marry him, he wasted no time. As in all good stories, an obstacle emerged—another man who was actually a closer relative had the first opportunity to buy the land . . . and to marry Ruth. The dramatic tension builds in verses 4-6: now that Boaz and Ruth want to be together, will another relative stand in the way?

To understand the extent to which Boaz modeled faithfulness it's helpful to note that no one was obligated to take the role of kinsman-redeemer. In Leviticus 25, the provision is simply that a relative may do this. In Ruth, the nearest relative preferred not to be inconvenienced, but Boaz accepted the responsibility.

As we conclude our study, let's look at the larger picture. First, Naomi had come full circle. Through the selfless acts of loyal love by Ruth and Boaz, she was restored to fullness. Second, even in the dark days of Judges, God was working to provide Israel with what they needed—godly leadership. The child born to Ruth and Boaz became the grandfather of King David, a man after God's own heart.

Finally, God's salvation extends beyond the borders of Israel. Ruth, a Moabite, is part of the royal line. And a descendant of David reigns forever, Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer. He paid the price to redeem us from sin, and God has exalted Him above every principality and power (see Phil. 2:6-11). He is our Lord, our gracious Judge and Deliverer.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Praise is an appropriate way to end our study this month. To begin, you could focus on praising Jesus as Judge, Deliverer, and Kinsman-Redeemer. You could praise God for His acts of faithfulness, provision, and mercy. You could do this in an extended prayer time, through singing, or even in focusing your thoughts and heart on what God has revealed about Himself in our study this month. As Psalm 92:1 says, “It is good to praise the Lord.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 42
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. - Psalm 42:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
In Reflections on the Psalms, C. S. Lewis wrote: “The most valuable thing the Psalms do for me is to express that same delight in God which made David dance . . . I find an experience fully God-centered, asking of God no gift more urgently than His presence, the gift of Himself, joyous to the highest degree, and unmistakably real.”

Delighting in the Lord is a theme that will permeate our month's study of Book II of Psalms, comprised of Psalms 42-72. The tone is established from the very beginning of today's reading, one of passionately desiring God's presence and power. The image of a deer running through the forest until quenching its thirst in a cool stream vividly conveys a longing for God as an elemental need (vv. 1-2). A New Testament parallel is Christ's description of Himself as living, life-giving water that forever quenches spiritual barrenness (John 4:10-14).

The writer's longing for God remained despite the bad situation in which he found himself (vv. 3-8). Though the inscription says “sons of Korah,” this probably indicates a choir of Levites rather than the psalmist himself. Perhaps as a prisoner-of-war or exile, he was grieving and feeling downcast and disturbed. His tears were strikingly unsatisfying, compared to the thirst-quenching drink he desired. But God seemed absent, and the people around him were taunting and tormenting him. Though he couldn't sense God's presence at that moment, he remembered worshiping Him and was committed to trusting in His absolute faithfulness. “Put your hope in God,” he urged himself, believing that God's love could keep him afloat despite the waves and breakers of life.

Though God appeared to have forgotten the poet, He was still trusted and praised as a Rock (vv. 9-11). The thirst had not yet been quenched, but the writer was sure it would be. Said one commentator, “Such soul thirst, though painful, is a prerequisite for spiritual growth, for people must want God before he can give himself to them.”
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
To prepare for the devotions to come, ask yourself this question: How thirsty am I for God? Will a casual sip or two satisfy? Or is it more like I've been running a race on a hot summer day and someone has just put a cold water bottle in my hand? If your longing for God's presence is somewhere in between, as it may be for most of us, turn the opening verses of Psalm 42 into your heart's prayer. Your Bible study this month will be richer as a result!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 43
Why are you downcast, O my soul? . . . Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him. - Psalm 43:5
TODAY IN THE WORD
Last June, several federal agencies cooperated to set free about eighty modern-day slaves. Authorities allege that homeless men and women were lured to a Florida labor camp with promises of food and housing, then given drugs, alcohol, and tobacco on credit. Forced to work in the fields to repay their debt, they could never catch up and were effectively in bondage. Said a government spokesman: “We are concerned about human trafficking, and we will leave no stone or camp unturned.”

Just as those homeless people needed rescuing from injustice and oppression, so the writer of today's psalm needed God to rescue him from a hopeless situation. Scholars say it's likely that Psalms 42 and 43 were originally a single composition, as shown by phrases repeated between the two, such as “put your hope in God.” We certainly find a similar voice and themes here as yesterday. The writer was in a desperate situation and called on God to vindicate and save him (vv. 1-2). God is a “stronghold”—that is, a place to hide and fight from (cf. Ps. 27:1). This spiritual fact is believed more firmly and clung to more resolutely than the immediate feelings of sorrow and abandonment.

The psalmist prayed for God to send forth His light and truth (vv. 3-4). These qualities are personified as guides and allude to the pillar of cloud and fire that guided the Israelites during their exodus through the wilderness. It is significant that Christ's “I am” statements include both truth and light as well (John 8:12; 14:6).

God's light and truth will bring the psalmist home again to Jerusalem, where he will joyfully rejoin community worship. Verse 5 closes by repeating the affirmation that feelings cannot overcome faith and that hope in future grace outweights present pain. The poet was sure about God's character and promises and put little stock in circumstances despite the misery they brought.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
You or someone you love may be going through dark times, maybe as a result of internal struggle or external challenges or both. In these days of trouble and trial, don't let discouragement keep you from crying out to the Lord. Keep your eyes firmly fixed on Him, and don't allow the difficulties of life or the attacks of the enemy to win out. He can rescue you out of any situation. Be encouraged by today's verse: He is your hope . . . you will yet praise Him!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 44
Awake, O Lord! Why do you sleep? Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever. - Psalm 44:23
TODAY IN THE WORD
On April 18, 1906, a devastating earthquake struck the city of San Francisco. Nearly 8.0 on the Richter scale, the earthquake killed an estimated 3,000 people and its shockwaves were felt all along the western coast of the United States. Buildings collapsed, fires raged, and 20,000 refugees had to be evacuated to the USS Chicago. A newspaper headline at the time declared, “Nearly Half the City Is in Ruins and 50,000 Are Homeless.”

In such times many people tend to call on the Lord. In today's psalm, the disaster was not natural but military. Israel had suffered a defeat in war, and the psalmist called on the Lord to restore His favor and give the nation victory. He began by putting matters in historical context (vv. 1-3), followed up with a statement of faith (vv. 4-8), described the present situation of defeat (vv. 9-16), puzzled over the reasons why (vv. 17-22), and finally prayed fervently for deliverance (vv. 23-26).

The historical context was a faith-booster: God saved Israel from bondage and conquered for her the Promised Land. It was His love and strength, not the people's military prowess, that had won the day then and would do so again (cf. Deut. 4:37-38). God's blessing and the light of His face was infinitely more important to the people's well-being than any number of arrows and swords.

To keep trusting in the face of defeat was a test of faith. They felt like scattered sheep or slaves sold in the market. Had God abandoned them? The writer didn't give the enemy much credit, but instead looked to the Lord as the primary cause and mover in this situation. Their defeat mattered not only because they were suffering but because it reflected badly on God's name and glory. Since the psalmist wasn't aware of any particular sin that God was punishing, he fully expected Him to turn the situation around quickly and powerfully.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
You might have noticed that the prayer language of the psalms is often quite bold compared to our own. When is the last time you heard your pastor urge God to wake up and get moving? The faith of the psalmists is strong and forceful, and this is reflected in the way they express their feelings. By the end of a typical psalm, they're praising God for deliverance as if it were an accomplished fact. Try praying in this style today, using bold words to express both negative emotions and ultimate faith.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Deuteronomy 1:1-3:29
Do not be stiff-necked, as your fathers were; submit to the Lord. - 2 Chronicles 30:8
TODAY IN THE WORD
One day a woman brought her son to the Greek philosopher Diogenes. “He is rude and behaves badly,” she complained. “What can I do to improve his conduct?” With characteristic bluntness, the philosopher replied: “Strike his mother in the face.”

Parental example often shapes the conduct of a child. If the example is a good one, this can be a blessing. But what if the example is bad? Are children doomed to follow in their parents’ footsteps, making the same foolish choices and suffering the same consequences?

This question must have plagued the people of Israel as they prepared to enter the land of promise. Their parents had wandered in the wilderness for forty years and eventually perished there because they failed to trust God when He ordered them to enter the first time. The children had survived, but by this time the great acts of God that had purchased their deliverance from slavery in Egypt were only a distant memory. If the parents had failed so miserably when these events were still fresh, what possible hope could there be for the children?

God Himself provided the solution by calling the nation of Israel to renew its covenant with Him. To prepare them for the task of taking their promised inheritance, Israel’s God outlined the laws that would guide their lives in the Promised Land, beginning with a review of the nation’s history. Without mincing words, Moses recounted both God’s provision and Israel’s unfaithfulness. His purpose was not to rub Israel’s nose in past failure but to help them to see their current circumstances through the eyes of faith. It was true that their record was one of repeated failure. God’s, however, was one of unfailing love, fatherly discipline, and abiding faithfulness. By trusting in the one who redeemed them from bondage, this generation could learn from the mistakes of their parents.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Do you see your family background as a help or a hindrance to your spiritual life? In some ways, it is both. We may have scars that are the result of our parents’ bad choices or have learned patterns of behavior that Christ wants us to “unlearn.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Deuteronomy 4:1-43
Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? - Micah 7:18
TODAY IN THE WORD
A new believer went to bed one evening thinking about angels. “God,” he prayed, “So far I have only read about angels. Now I want to see one. Please let me see an angel with my own eyes.” He squeezed his eyes tightly shut and lay as still as he could, hardly breathing in his anticipation that God would answer his prayer. At last he gathered up the courage to open his eyes, but only a little. A thrill of fear shot through him as he saw the shapeless form next to his bed.

Instead of being happy at the prospect of having his request granted, he covered his eyes with his hands and began to plead with God again. “I’ve changed my mind, God,” he begged. “Please, take it away. I don’t want to see an angel after all.” When he finally found the courage to look again, he realized that instead of disappearing, the form was now even more distinct than before. Indeed, with eyes wide open and heart pounding, he now saw the form for what it truly was–the mound of clothing that he had piled on the chair next to his bed before lying down to sleep.

Instead of being imaginary, Israel’s encounter with God during the Exodus was very real and far more terrifying. The generation that Moses led out of Egypt saw God’s deliverance with their own eyes and heard His words with their own ears. According to the author of the book of Hebrews, “The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, 'I am trembling with fear’ ” (Heb. 12:21). This experience was intended to make a lasting impression on God’s people, but they quickly forgot all they had seen and heard. It didn’t take long before they had violated nearly every command they had heard God’s voice declare.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Our God is a God of grace and expectation. Can you think of a time when you experienced a remarkable deliverance or were made aware of some new truth from your study of God’s Word? How did you respond? In Deuteronomy 4:32–39 Moses describes several of Israel’s experiences and calls God’s people to respond in faith and obedience. Write a similar account of your own experiences and conclude with a challenge to yourself to “hold fast” to the Lord and renew your commitment to obeying Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Deuteronomy 4:44-5:5
As I judged your fathers in the desert of the land of Egypt, so I will judge you, declares the Sovereign Lord. - Ezekiel 20:36
TODAY IN THE WORD
Israel received the Law of God while they camped in the valley of Beth Peor in the land of the Amorites. They defeated Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites. They had been summoned by God to Mount Sinai, referred to here as Horeb, a term that comes from a Hebrew word meaning “desolate region” and sometimes used to speak both of the area in which Sinai is located and of the mountain itself (cf. Ex. 3:1; 33:6). It was here that Israel personally encountered the Living God and entered into a covenant with Him.

In view of this, it is surprising to read Moses’ statement in today’s passage claiming, “It was not with our fathers that the Lord made this covenant, but with us, with all of us who are alive here today” (Deut. 5:3). The parents of those who heard these words were present when the Law was given on Sinai. When they heard the commandments they replied, “Everything the Lord has said we will do” (Ex. 24:3). What, then, did Moses mean?

Moses could not have meant that God had never entered into a covenant with Israel’s ancestors. Nor could he have meant that the Law somehow did not apply to the parents of those who were being addressing at that moment. In effect, his message was simply this: “God isn’t dealing with them now, He is dealing with you. It is time for you to commit yourself to obedience.”

The previous generation heard God’s Word and promised to obey it, but they failed to follow through on their commitment. Even if they had obeyed, it still would have been necessary for the generation that followed them to make a personal commitment of their own.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
A religious heritage from one’s parents is a great benefit, but it is no substitute for personal faith.