Today's lesson comes from Deuteronomy 26: 16-19; 27: 1-7. In the book of Deuteronomy, chapters 12 through 26 comprise the primary legal section of the book. Moses has been explaining the law of God to this new generation of Israelites who are about to enter the Promised Land. However, now Moses brings the people to an understanding of the necessity of entering into a binding covenant relationship with the LORD. The first generation had done so at Mount Sinai, but now this second generation was to renew the covenant relationship.
Before we enter the study, it is important to understand what we mean by the word "covenant." Many times it is used interchangeably with the word "contract." However, they are not identical in application. A covenant is a formal, binding agreement defining relationships and responsibilities between two or more parties. The etymology of the word is uncertain. It may be related to an Akkadian word which means "to establish a legal situation by testimony with an oath." Some believe it was derived from an Akkadian root meaning "to fetter." One of the main differences between a contract and a covenant is seen when one party breaks the agreement. In a contract, if one party dishonors the agreement, the non guilty party is relieved from any obligation to keep the terms. In a covenant, if the one party breaks the agreement, the non guilty party remains bound to honor their part of the agreement. Think how this might affect modern day marriages if everyone remembered that they had entered into a marriage covenant, not a marriage contract. Moreover, this explains why the LORD remains faithful even when we do not. God is in a covenant relationship with us, not a contractual one.
The first section is "A peculiar People." vv. 16-19 Moses, having finished recounting the laws of God, now instructs the Israelites in the ratification of the covenant. The terms of the covenant are found in the first part of the lesson. There are two general headings: Israel's responsibilities and God's responsibilities. Israel's responsibilities include to walk in God's ways and be obedient, to keep His statutes, and His commandments, and His judgments and to listen to His voice. God's reponsibilities include making them a peculiar people, to make them above all nations, in order that they may be a holy people. Christians are God's peculiar people which means objects of His love, recipients of His blessings, partakers of His grace, enjoying heavenly fellowship and communion. There is a consequence to disobedience. "Become irreligious, neglect God's ordinances, profane His Sabbath, despise His Word, persecute His followers, and thou art lost." (Adam Clarke)
The second section is "A Public Declaration." vv. 1-4 The second portion of the lesson deals with setting up of the stones on which the Law was to be written. The purpose of memorial objects was to be a physical and public reminder of what God had done and to cause the future generations to not forget the faithfulness of God in the past. When the children of Israel crossed over the Jordan River, they were instructed by Moses to erect a stone memorial in Mount Ebal. This is similar to the public memorial given to the first generation at Mount Sinai. This time they were to "set thee up great stones, and plaster them with plaster." They were to write "all the words of this law." There is some debate as what was to be written. Most likely, the words of the Ten Commandments were most certainly to be included. The words were to be written "very plainly," so they could be easily read and understood. After the Israelites had conquered Jericho and Ai, Joshua led them to Mount Ebal (Joshua 8: 30-35). There they did what Moses commanded them to do in these verses. While much land remained to be conquered, by their making a clear declaration of their covenant relationship with God, they were enabled to take possession of the land. This is one reason why we should be quick to give personal testimonies and affirm our loyalty to God in our individual walks.
It is very important to realize that while the Law was originally written on tablets of stone (meaning the Law was unchangeable), today Christ writes the Law on our hearts. Tablets of stone speaks to an external restraint, the Law on our hearts is an internal compulsion and restraint.
The third section is "A Place of Consecration." vv. 5-7 When bringing man face to face with the Law, God also provides a means for the forgiveness and restoration of the sinner. God instructed Israel to build an altar on the same mount where the Law was inscribed (v. 5). God was providing a means of grace and mercy in response to the sinfulness of man. When an individual comes to God and totally surrenders himself to God (v. 6 whole burnt offering), there is a restoration of fellowship with God, and great rejoicing (v. 7 peace offerings).
In Wesleyan holiness theology, a sinner receives prevenient grace (God draws us to Him) and comes to God in repentance and faith trusting in the shed blood of Jesus Christ to save him. Subsequent thereto, the saved individual, trusting in the same shed blood of Jesus Christ, consecrates i.e. surrenders their all, and in faith receives the sanctifying fullness of the Holy Spirit. It has been said that in salvation, we get all of God and in entire sanctification, He gets all of us. The third section of the study speaks of a place of consecration. The Israelites had one. Do you?
The Golden Text is: "And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the LORD you're God." (Exodus 6:7) Why would God choose the Israelites as His people? (1) Because He had promised to do soto Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Judah, etc. (2) That He might show succeeding generations that your individual merit or lack thereof is not a factor in God's mighty plan. He works through and for the most unlikely of candidates. Aren't you thankful for that!
My summary points:
1. We are to walk in obedience to God, and when we do, the world will think us strange.
2. We are to publicly declare our faith in God and Jesus Christ.
3. We are to consecrate our all and seek to be sanctified wholly.
Next week: "Blessings and Curses." Deuteronomy 28: 1-15
Don't forget to read the Sunday School Beacon for inspiration and encouragement.
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