Firmly Established in the Truth

“On the first day of the eleventh month of the fortieth year, Moshe (Moses) spoke to the people of Isra’el, reviewing everything Adonai (The Lord) had ordered him to tell them…There, beyond the Yarden (Jordan), in the land of Mo’av, Moshe took it upon himself to expound this Torah…” (Deuteronomy 1:3,5, CJB) 

This was the first part of Moses’ three major speeches to the nation before he passed on to the next life. Love for Israel motivated Moses to teach them again the truths of God’s laws.

(Source: http://www.oneyearbibleblog.com/2011/03/march-23rd-one-year-bible-readings.html)

God’s book of the law is not a dead contract or a lifeless letter but a living covenant directed to every individual in their generation. Every generation needs to have a freshly anointed presentation of God’s truth. Moses expounded God’s laws to this new generation of Israelites to secure God’s covenant for themselves and treasure God’s words as their own.

Spiritual leaders, therefore, need to be wise, understanding and knowledgeable to teach God’s truth in their own era and prepare the next generation.

Apostle Peter reminded the saints again after about 30 years since the birth of Christianity. Many of the original disciples had already died of martyrdom. Peter himself knew that he was next. Strikingly similar to Moses, Peter reiterated the gospel to these new generation Christians. They needed to hear God’s words afresh.

“For this reason, I will always remind you about these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you already have. And I consider it right to keep stirring you up with reminders, as long as I am in the tent of this body. I know that I will soon lay aside this tent of mine, as the Lord Yeshua the Messiah has made clear to me. And I will do my best to see that after my exodus, you will be able to remember these things at all times.” (2 Peter 1:12-15, CJB)

Moses and Peter had great feelings for the next generation to succeed. Therefore, they took great efforts to remind the present generation about their rich heritage (covenants), how to behave in the world and what to expect in the years to come. 

Right after addressing the Israelites, Moses climbed up Mount Nebo, had a glorious look at the promised land he so yearned to enter, and then died. He was 120 years old, with eyes undimmed and vigor undiminished. God Himself buried Moses in the valley of Moab. (Deuteronomy 34:5-7)

Peter became a martyr for the Lord Jesus shortly after writing his second letter to the saints.

“Jerome said that he was crucified, his head being down and his feet upward, himself so requiring, because he was (he said) unworthy to be crucified after the same form and manner as the Lord was.” (Fox’s Book of Martyrs)

“Peter died on 13 October AD 64 during the festivities on the occasion of the “dies imperii” of Emperor Nero.” (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Peter) 

  

(Source: http://www.shafe.co.uk/art/Caravaggio_The_Crucifixion_of_St_Peter_1600-1601-_Rome-_Cerasi_Chapel.asp)

Peter asserted that they were established firmly in the truth they already have. To be clear, truth is truth unchanging- relevant at all times and in all seasons. But at the same time, truth is also unfolding. In each season, God emphasizes a truth as the Church needs it. For this reason, we must walk in the truth He is shedding light upon while firmly holding on to the whole counsel of God.

Truth, then, must have fresh application for us today. And each new generation must receive for themselves God’s laws. 

I personally believe that God is now stirring the church to get back on her knees and pray for revival. It is time to seek the Lord.

“I said, ‘Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord, that He may come and shower righteousness upon you.’” (Hosea 10:12, NLT)

It is time to draw near to the Lord with the attitude of humility and repentance.

“Then, if my people, who bear my name, will humble themselves, pray, seek my face and turn from their evil ways, I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14, CJB)

Let us be earnest in seeking God's face, to count all things trash in order to gain Christ, to know Him intimately, to experience first hand the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings.

If we want our communities to be transformed by the power of the gospel, we must give up our own little kingdoms, renounce self-serving programs and selfish ambitions, and repent of our greed for money, pride and arrogance. 

Let us ask God's mercy and get our ways right back with Jesus. Often times, human hearts smeared by the spirit of the world hinders revival. Let us get out of the way and let the Holy Spirit have His way. Let us be instruments of God as He brings light out of the darkness.

As we renew our consecration to God, He will breathe a fresh wind of holiness, anointing and grace in our lives. The Holy Spirit will write His living words into the intimate pages of our hearts.

Moses said, “Adonai did not make this covenant with our fathers, but with us - with us, who are all of us here alive today.” (Deuteronomy 5:3, CJB) 

It is important to note that Moses did not revise God’s laws. With reverential fear, he presented God's laws with a fresh perspective, especially noting the mistakes of the past and warnings for the future with the view of living a full life in their “today.”

I believe the Spirit of the Lord is calling for spiritual leaders to expound the full counsel of God accurately, diligently and lovingly.

For all of us who are recipients of this word, let us emulate the attitude of the Bereans in Acts 17:11:

“These were more fair-minded (noble or open-minded) than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.” (NKJV)

We need to actively seek God’s word and ask the Holy Spirit to give light to the passages in Scripture then respond accordingly. Humbly turn back when repentance is called for. Obey when obedience is demanded. Believe when His promises come alive. Magnify the Lord when He shows His glory and power. Rejoice when you see His truths aglow in your spirit. Praise Him as the Holy Spirit floods your being.

Be expectant each time you read the Bible. He will communicate His fresh truths to you by bringing life, healing and light. God’s words are spirit and they are life. (John 6:63)

Eat and speak God’s word today:)

“Yes, keep this book of of the Torah (Law) on your lips, and meditate on it day and night, so that you will take care to act according to everything written in it. Then your undertakings will prosper, and you will succeed.” (Joshua 1:8, CJB)

(Deuteronomy chapter 1, part 2 of 5)

(re-writing Deuteronomy 004)