Passing On the Legacy of Faith
Scripture Passage: Deuteronomy 5:1-10 (NASB)
Then Moses summoned all Israel and said to them:
“Hear, O Israel, the statutes and the ordinances which I am speaking today in your hearing, that you may learn them and observe them carefully. 2 The Lord our God made a covenant with us at Horeb. 3 The Lord did not make this covenant with our fathers, but with us, with all those of us alive here today. 4 The Lord spoke to you face to face at the mountain from the midst of the fire, 5 while I was standing between the Lord and you at that time, to declare to you the word of the Lord; for you were afraid because of the fire and did not go up the mountain. He said,
6 ‘I am the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.
7 ‘You shall have no other gods before Me.
8 ‘You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. 9 You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, and on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me, 10 but showing lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.
SUMMARY
Moses summons all Israel and urges them not only to hear the statutes and ordinances of God, but to learn them and to act accordingly.
A lot of Moses’ sermons in this part of the book of Deuteronomy are farewell sermons, and in them he charges the younger Israelites — who will go and possess the promised land — to not forget the covenant that God has made with their forefathers and also with them. Moses knows that this new generation might forget the miracle and the glory of God who brought them out of Egypt, out of slavery, and provided for their every need in their wandering in the desert. He stresses there should be no other gods before the Lord, that they shall not worship or serve false gods. He reminds them God will show lovingkindness to those who keep His commandments and love Him, but He will punish iniquity and sins up to the fourth generation of to those who hate Him.
MEDITATION & REFLECTION
Moses knew that once the generation that had seen and experienced the miracles of God died, it would be very challenging for the new generation to keep their faith unless they carefully observed His commandments. As Moses himself cannot go to the promised land with the new generation, his desperation to charge and command the young Israelites to remember God’s covenant with them is evident in his sermons. Although the journey in the wilderness is finally ending, and the blessing of Israelites possessing the promised land is near, he foresees the danger of the new generation falling into sin and serving false gods and idols as they live in the land of “milk and honey,” in comfort and security.
APPLICATION
When I look at my kids, I can’t help but to think how blessed they are compared to how I grew up.
Kind of like how the first generation of Israelites left Egypt and had to endure the wilderness for 40 years, I’ve had my share of trials when I first left Korea and had to adjust to living in a new environment. Emotionally and financially, it was very challenging at times, but these times also kept me humble and made me hang on to my faith. My kids on the other hand, I wonder if there will ever be times when they’ll desperately seek God. As they are living comfortable and affluent lifestyles, they are more prone to fall into the temptation of serving false gods — idols of self-love, success and materialism… I guess I’m not immune to these either. I’m realizing through Moses’ sermon to the next generation that I have a crucial role to pass down the faith to my children and to remind them of His goodness and His loving commandments.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father,
I’m reminded of my grandmother’s prayer for family and for her grandchildren. The image of her reading the Bible and praying is still stuck with me even after many years of her passing. When I was young, I didn’t realize the depth and importance of such prayer but now that I’m a parent, I desperately do. Deuteronomy 4:9 says, “Only give heed to yourself and keep your soul diligently, so that you do not forget the things which your eyes have seen and they do not depart from your heart all the days of your life; but make them known to your sons and your grandsons.” Lord, I pray that I can pass down the gift of faith to my children and their children. I pray I will never stop praising Your goodness and will be able to teach my kids Your covenant with them. Thank You for being the Lord over my life, and I pray You will be the Lord over their lives as well. True blessing isn’t the possession of land flowing with milk and honey, but it is to have an intimate and everlasting relationship with You. I pray my children will come to know such a blessing in their lives through me. Praying in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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