Deuteronomy 32:48 – 34:12
In yesterday's reading, Moses informed Israel about the
consequences of being unfaithful. Today, Moses informs the Israelites
of the blessings that God will bestow upon them (I've listed each
tribe with its blessing below). Before Moses blesses the tribes, God
reminds Moses that he can't enter the Promise land for his
unfaithfulness in the Desert of Zin. God also instructs Moses, "There
on the mountain that you have climbed you will die and be gathered to
your people."
I think it's breathtaking that in the face of death, Moses
was focused on encouraging the Israelites. Moses was more concerned
with God's will than his own life. This reminds me of what Martin
Luther King Jr. said in his last speech before he was assassinated. He
said, "Like anybody, I would like to live - a long life; longevity has
its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do
God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've
looked over. And I've seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with
you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to
the Promised Land. So I'm happy, tonight. I'm not worried about
anything. I'm not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of
the coming of the Lord." MLK, like Moses was able to see the Promise
Land, but not enter it. They knew that their lives were not about
their glory, but God's. Let's all strive to glorify God in our own
lives so that when we face our Creator, he will say, 'Well done, good
and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:23).
As Christians, God calls us to look to others above
ourselves. This can only be achieved when God is first in our lives.
Once we can step outside of ourselves for God, then we are equipped to
truly step outside of ourselves for another. How else could anybody
learn to love unconditionally except by knowing that someone (God)
already loves them without limits?
God has already proven His love by giving up His Son Jesus
Christ for us. During Old Testament times, we see the importance of
sons. They were needed to farm the land and carry on the family name,
the lineage. Without sons, a family wouldn't have the strength to
sustain itself nor have an heir. Without sons, the family would be
doomed. In essence, God gave up everything when He gave up Jesus. He
gave up everything for you. That's how much God loves you.
Below is a list of the tribes of Israel with the blessings God
bestowed to each of them. As you read these take notice of how God
favors, blesses, and sets apart each tribe in a different way. God
does the same with every one of us. You are set apart as God's portion
and highly favored. You're blessed.
Reuben – "Let Reuben live and not die, nor his men be few" – God
demonstrates His mercy with the tribe of Reuben for He will bless them
with their portion in Israel and increase their number even though
they deserve to be cut off and diminished; remember, Reuben slept with
His father's (Jacob) concubine Bilhah.
Judah (Simeon's inheritance is within Judah's inheritance) – "With his
own hands he defends his cause. Oh, be his help against his foes!" –
The tribe of Judah will be so numerous and powerful that it will not
need the help of the other tribes to defend itself.
Levi – "Bless all his skills, O Lord, and be pleased with the work of
his hands" – The Levites were the only tribe that didn't worship the
Golden Calf at Mount Sinai. As such, God set them apart as His
distinguished servants and promises to bless them in everything they
do.
Benjamin – "Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for he
shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between his
shoulders," – God will set His temple (where the Levites lay) in
between the land given to the Benjamites. Because of their proximity
to the dwelling of the Lord, the Benjamites will dwell in the comfort
and safety of the Lord.
Joseph – "May the Lord bless his land… with the best gifts of the
earth and its fullness and the favor of him who dwelt in the burning
bush." – God promises His favor to the Josephites in the same way He
favored Moses, for only Moses saw God in the burning bush. As the
prince of His brothers, Joseph is promised the riches of the land.
Zebulun and Issachar – "Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going out, and you,
Issachar, in your tents" – The tribes of Zebulun and Issachar are
joined here because their portions in Israel are side by side. While
Zebulun is promised victory in war, Issachar is promised peaceful
quiet living in their possessions.
Gad – "Blessed is he who enlarges Gad's domain! Gad lives there like a
lion, tearing at arm and leg." – God promises to bless those that help
Gad in the midst of troubles as this tribe will be surrounded by
enemies. At the same time Gad, like a lion, will feel safe and secure
from its enemies. Gad will also be fierce to those that attack him.
Dan – "Dan is a lion's cub, springing out of Bashan." – The tribe of
Dan will be powerful and courageous. They will be victorious over
their enemies. They will also be merciful.
Naphtali – "Naphtali is abounding with the favor of the Lord and is
full of his blessing." – The satisfaction of the tribe of Naphtali
will rest in the favor of the Lord. God's grace is enough.
Asher – "Most blessed of sons is Asher; let him be favored by his
brothers, and let him bathe his feet in oil." – The tribe of Asher
will not only be favored by the Lord, but by every tribe in Israel.
This tribe will be so rich that it will have enough oil to wash not
only its face, but also its feet.
God Bless,
Anthony
No comments:
Post a Comment