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“search the scriptures” John 5:39
‘A land which the Lord thy God careth for: the eyes of the Lord thy God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year’, Deut. 11. 12.
In his farewell address, Moses reminds the new generation - about to pass over the Jordan - that their blessing, indicated in the possession of the land, would hinge on three main themes. First, their response to the commandments of the Lord, see vv. 1, 8, 13, 22, 27, 28. Second, their reliance on the capability of the Lord, vv. 2-7, 23-25. Third, their recognition of the care of the Lord, v. 12.
Deuteronomy chapter 11 verse 1 reminds us of an enduring principle -love for God would be seen in Israel’s compliance with His commandments. Whatever descriptor is used for the law: ‘his charge . . . his statutes . . . his judgments . . . his commandments’. Whatever duration of time is envisaged: ‘alway’. The people of God, out of love for God, should adhere to the word of God. This is a timeless teaching of scripture; it is echoed in the farewell address of Christ, ‘If ye love me, keep my commandments’, John 14. 15. A quick reading of Deuteronomy chapter 11 demonstrates this is a repeated theme. Their entrance into the land is based upon it, their enjoyment of the land is derived from it, and their endurance in the land will only be vouched safe in a society governed by the law, vv. 13-15, 21-23.
Moses reflects on their history and notes that his audience, albeit they were young when some of the events happened, had witnessed the mighty power of God. They had seen it in their deliverance from Egypt, vv. 2-4, and in the discipline in the wilderness, vv. 5-7. The land not only would need to be cared for year after year but would need to be conquered in the not-so-distant future. Moses’ message is clear - ‘if ye shall diligently keep all these commandments … then will the Lord drive out all these nations’, vv. 22, 23. God’s capability is absolute, but He expects their faithful compliance.
The provision for the children of Israel was an amazing blessing, ‘a land that floweth with milk and honey’, v. 9. However, it was not a land that would prosper based on human ingenuity or activity. Their agriculture required water from heaven, not the man-made irrigation of the Nile, vv. 10, 11. All the necessities of life would be the direct provision of the Lord, vv. 14, 15. If they would trust Him and follow His word, lasting prosperity was assured.
It is a profound comfort that there is a God who cares for us, 1 Pet. 5. 7. In the trials and tribulations of life, and in the changes and challenges that seem to come at every corner, God’s watchful eyes and willing provision are always there, ‘from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year’, v. 12. In this new year, it is our prayer that the articles in this magazine will draw us closer to the Lord, confident of His care and His capability to meet every need, every time, everywhere.
Graeme Andrews
Ministry Articles Editor
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