March 8

But you who held fast to the Lord your God are alive today, every one of you. See, I have taught you statutes and judgments just as the Lord my God commanded me, that you should do thus in the land where you are entering to possess it. Deuteronomy 4:4,5.

Moses is instructing the Israelites about being faithful to the Lord God. Moses has already been told that he will not be allowed to enter the Promised Land, because he had disobeyed God while striking the rock (which was Christ, Numbers 20:11 and 1 Corinthians 10:4). We know that from among the original million or so Israelites that left Egypt, only Joshua and Caleb would be allowed to enter Canaan. Moses is clearly showing that the Lord will withhold blessings when we do not trust Him. It is not that He is punishing us; it is that He loves to show us His grace in measures that greatly exceed our faith. In effect we are reaping what we sow—faith or unfaith.

How many blessings are we missing? Each time I hear His soft and still voice, I can choose to act upon it, or I can ignore it and choose my own way. In the latter case I can imagine a shed tear on His part. I have missed an opportunity for Him to show His love. Why am I like Moses in so many ways?

Today, Lord, let me be faithful in both small and large things. You have clearly shown us the way of faith, and the obedience that grows from faith. I want to please You in every aspect—don’t let me strike “rocks” when all You want is my spoken word. The world does not need my fleshly actions to be whipped into shape. Just Your presence and grace are sufficient. I thank You for what You will do. Amen.
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