December 07
Learning to Live!
They are not just idle words for you--they are your life.
Deuteronomy 32:47a (NIV)
Many historians consider Moses a genius, and they‘re right. There is no doubt he was one of ancient history’s greatest leaders, but we sometimes forget that he was an incredible teacher as well.
Moses, it seems, understood the fact people learn in different ways--some by hearing, some by seeing and others by doing. Moses had the added motivation of trying to penetrate some pretty thick skulls! Moses knew his people, the understood the challenges they would face, and he perceived their ultimate rebellion (Deut 31:15+). Still, he did everything he could to teach the truth and to clearly depict the God's way to life. He had the commandments read to them repeatedly (Deut 31:9-13), he personally “sang” to them (Deut 32) and he made sure they learned his song and sang it for themselves (Deut 31:19). He even had them erect memorial stones and directed them to write God’s word on them--further helping the learning process.
Amazing. His teaching seemed to touch all the senses. He crafted a huge graphic, a moving picture with an incredible stereo surround sound as they entered the Promised Land. Representatives from half the tribes standing on Mount Gerizim pronouncing God’s blessings for the obedient, with representatives of the other tribes standing on Mount Ebal pronouncing God’s curses on disobedience, and everyone else marching through the valley between singing Moses’ song.
Over time the people eventually did rebell, a sad reminder to us: learn anyway you can, but also, learn to apply the truth … apply the truth and live!
Lord God, help us to learn. Teach us to live. Amen.
Learning to Live!
They are not just idle words for you--they are your life.
Deuteronomy 32:47a (NIV)
Many historians consider Moses a genius, and they‘re right. There is no doubt he was one of ancient history’s greatest leaders, but we sometimes forget that he was an incredible teacher as well.
Moses, it seems, understood the fact people learn in different ways--some by hearing, some by seeing and others by doing. Moses had the added motivation of trying to penetrate some pretty thick skulls! Moses knew his people, the understood the challenges they would face, and he perceived their ultimate rebellion (Deut 31:15+). Still, he did everything he could to teach the truth and to clearly depict the God's way to life. He had the commandments read to them repeatedly (Deut 31:9-13), he personally “sang” to them (Deut 32) and he made sure they learned his song and sang it for themselves (Deut 31:19). He even had them erect memorial stones and directed them to write God’s word on them--further helping the learning process.
Amazing. His teaching seemed to touch all the senses. He crafted a huge graphic, a moving picture with an incredible stereo surround sound as they entered the Promised Land. Representatives from half the tribes standing on Mount Gerizim pronouncing God’s blessings for the obedient, with representatives of the other tribes standing on Mount Ebal pronouncing God’s curses on disobedience, and everyone else marching through the valley between singing Moses’ song.
Over time the people eventually did rebell, a sad reminder to us: learn anyway you can, but also, learn to apply the truth … apply the truth and live!
Lord God, help us to learn. Teach us to live. Amen.