The book of Numbers came to a close with God’s provision for a societally vulnerable group. We’ll now turn our attention to the last book of God’s Torah or Pentateuch (i.e. the first 5 books of the Bible), and we’ll see God’s benevolence despite man continue in the very name of Torah’s last book.
Deuteronomy (deuteros nomos) meaning Second Law…
God had previously liberated the first generation of Israelite slaves from Egypt, but on their faith journey they had failed to trust God and were therefore judged. Nevertheless, at the very heart of God is mercy, grace, and redemption, and thus, Deuteronomy. He has made a way for the people to be cleansed of their sin, and for another generation to rise up and carry the baton of faithfulness into the land He promised to their forefathers long ago. And so, the very name–deuteros nomos–second law indicates God’s heart for His people. He doesn’t just stop at the first giving of the law (and say, “…too bad!”), but instead He makes a new way for them where there was otherwise no way!
How Does This Apply To Us Today?
Maybe you’re wondering if there is still hope for you? Maybe you grew up in the church, enjoyed a decent childhood, but when faced with the temptations of the world you succumbed. Maybe it was sex desires satisfied with multiple partners. Maybe it was drugs or alcohol to numb the pain. Maybe it was pornography to alleviate the passion burning within. Maybe it’s slander. Maybe it’s deceit or a constant shading of the truth. Maybe it’s constant people-pleasing or having to control everything. Maybe it’s a deep root of bitterness or unforgiveness. Maybe it’s envy and jealousy of another’s lot in life. Maybe it’s believing that your not doing of any or all of these things somehow makes you savable or more acceptable to God. Maybe any one of those issues aren’t just a past thing, but are rather still happening today…
Please, friend, don’t ever believe that you’re too far gone–that there’s no hope to be reconciled to God. Don’t let for one minute the thought sink in that God can’t bring you back into fellowship again or for the first time. With your effort you will fail–as you have already seen in your life–but with God all things are possible. For, this is exactly why Christ had to die. Just like God provided temporary reconciliation to a rebellious, idolatrous, fearful, and unfaithful people group a second law, He more-so provides to all people eternal reconciliation through His Son, Jesus Christ.
I have two questions for you to consider:
- Do you truly see yourself in light of who God is–as evil, as twisted, as truly warped, and despicable as your sin really has made you?
- Do you truly see and receive God’s provision for you in Christ–a full pardon, an eternal reconciliation, a filial adoption, and boundless love?
Friend, your sin separates you from God, but God’s love through Christ will draw you back into fellowship forever.
Believe and embrace…receive and be embraced.
Glory! Glory to our God…through Christ He has made a way!
— April 6, 2018