Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Priest: Minister of the Kingdom of God

Deuteronomy 5:20-33
 

Today in the United States of America, the nation is celebrating Independence Day. This day is set apart to remember the past and recommit to preserving a nation's values, justice, and integrity. The book of Deuteronomy is also a book about a reminder to Israel of their special covenant relationship with God. Martin Luther King Jr. says, "We are not makers of history; we are made by history." History will only become meaningful when the present generation adopts the first generation's positive, challenging, and sacrificial ways. Moses was talking to the second-generation Israelites, whose fathers made a covenant with God in Exodus 24. Moses wanted to remind them that Lord did not make this covenant with the Fathers alone but with the present generation. In this passage, Moses primarily reminds them of two important truths about remembrance and obedience. 

 

           To begin with, Moses is reminding the new generation of Israel of their privilege and responsibility. God chose, provided, and loved them in the past. Israel is to be a testimony to the nations. Human beings can become corrupt and infallible because of sin in this world. God is reminding the people of Israel to remember the past, how God led their fathers in the wilderness; God is saying through Moses, remember the Law, remember the worship, remember the Godliness and justice, and commitment. 

 

           Furthermore, obeying God will reveal His glory and love in our lives. Deut. 5:29 says, "Oh, their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always so that it might go well with them and their children forever!." Sometimes when we forget His glory and love, we have trouble obeying God. When God calls us to be obedient, that might be well for us and our generations. We are not called to follow God out of fear but love, grace, and compassion. God's glory revealed in Mount Sinai still can and will lead us into grace and fellowship with God.
 

           In conclusion, Moses warned the new generation of the danger of forgetting God's goodness. Through Moses, God reminded Israelites about the importance of obeying the covenant.  

 
Prayer

Help us O Lord, to remember our past and acknowledge your love and glory in our lives. Amen

 
 

Rev. Biju P. Simon,
Vicar, Philadelphia Mar Thoma Church

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