READING: Deuteronomy 32-34; Luke 5:1-26
I confess that I’m struggling writing this devotion, simply because I fear coming across as arrogant. I trust you will not read my words this way.
Moses spoke the words of Deuteronomy 32 both as a warning to and indictment of the people and as a message of hope. Their history had been filled with idolatry, and they would bring upon themselves the judgment of God – but He would eventually “purify his land and his people” (Deut 32:43). Thus, Moses called the people to sing a song that reminded them of this story, and he wanted his teaching to be powerful: “Let my teaching fall like rain and my word settle like dew, like gentle rain on new grass and showers on tender plants” (Deut 32:2). His intent in all of his teaching was clear: “For I will proclaim the Lord’s name. Declare the greatness of our God!” (Deut 32:3).
Using four different images (rain, dew, gentle rain, showers), Moses surely caught the attention of people living in a desert land. As a teacher and pastor, this is my prayer as well – that my teaching would be like life-giving water to a thirsty people in a dry land. The great news that I have is that I don’t have to manufacture the water; all I have to do is teach the Word. It points us to the water as we proclaim God’s name.
PRAYER: “God, thank You for Your Word – Your water to thirsty people.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Joshua 1-4; Luke 5:27-6:11