Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Lent

Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9 

Moses spoke to the people and said: “Now, Israel, hear the statutes and decrees which I am teaching you to observe, that you may live, and may enter in and take possession of the land which the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you. Therefore, I teach you the statutes and decrees as the LORD, my God, has commanded me, that you may observe them in the land you are entering to occupy. Observe them carefully, for thus will you give evidence of your wisdom and intelligence to the nations, who will hear of all these statutes and say, ‘This great nation is truly a wise and intelligent people.’ For what great nation is there that has gods so close to it as the LORD, our God, is to us whenever we call upon him? Or what great nation has statutes and decrees that are as just as this whole law which I am setting before you today?

“However, take care and be earnestly on your guard not to forget the things which your own eyes have seen, nor let them slip from your memory as long as you live, but teach them to your children and to your children's children.”

Reflections

After the exodus from Egypt, the first generation of Israelites wandered in the wilderness for forty years due to their disobedience to God. As a result, Moses encouraged the second generation of Israelites not only to listen but also to diligently follow the statutes and decrees given by God so that they could enter the Promised Land. These statutes and decrees were of great importance because they were personally given by God when He descended upon Mount Sinai. Moses emphasized that by obeying them, the Israelites would become a wise and intelligent people among the nations, allowing others to come to know God. History has proven this, as Solomon's wisdom once amazed the Queen of the South, drawing her to visit him.

The Book of Deuteronomy centers on historical reflection and the reaffirmation of God's laws, with the purpose of ensuring that the Israelites keep God's commandments and instructions firmly in their hearts. These statutes and decrees were to be followed as they entered the Promised Land, where many idols existed. By holding fast to God's word and maintaining their relationship with Him, they would be able to live and thrive. God required this of the Israelites because it is the essence of faith—to have a true relationship with Him. Their ancestors had suffered the consequences of disobedience, perishing in the wilderness and failing to enter the Promised Land. Moses reminded them that the key is to listen to God's word and keep His commandments. Rejecting God's word is the most serious sin, committed by the Proto-parents, Adam and Eve.

Moses instructed the people not to forget what they had witnessed with their own eyes—the mighty works of God. He also commanded them to pass down these great miracles to their children, reminding parents of their responsibility to ensure that God's greatness is remembered from generation to generation. The first generation of Israelites quickly forgot God's powerful deeds and frequently complained and disobeyed His commands wherever they went. Similarly, we are often prone to forgetting the great things God has done in our lives, but by sharing what we have personally witnessed and God's faithful works with our children, we can refresh our own memories and learn to fear God.

Practice

The Old Testament helps us reflect on the lessons of the Israelites' failures, as well as the key to their blessings. Their failures were due to their disobedience to God's word and failure to follow His will, whereas their blessings resulted from their willingness to obey Him. God desires to establish a personal and deep relationship with us, just as He called Abraham and Moses. In the same way, He longs to walk with us daily, guiding us to know Him more and learn to obey to His word. May today’s Collect prayer bring us encouragement, “Grant, we pray, O Lord, that, schooled through Lenten observance and nourished by your word, through holy restraint we may be devoted to you with all our heart and be ever united in prayer. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.”

Today’s Bible verses

“He has proclaimed his word to Jacob, his statutes and his ordinances to Israel.” (Psalm 147:19)