Read: Deuteronomy 3-4
Focus Verse: “See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the LORD my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it. Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’ What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the LORD our God is near us whenever we pray to him?” (Deuteronomy 4:5-7).
Devotion: So the laws and decrees, even with those, God is thinking so much BIGGER than just Israel! Israel is to be a poster child to the nations. If they live the way of God others will come to know God. Let that sink in for a second… The thrust here of the law is: Live like God, SO others will see and know God. Secondly, they will see a God who comes close because of love. Whenever they pray, God is close! There’s a declaration here, NO other god comes close to their people. The gram, snap, homework, school, money, tv, whatever, NOTHING else comes close like God does! Do you live like God so that others will know God? And do you cry out to God calling him close to you?
Pray: LORD I pray you’d help me live like you SO THAT all people would come to know You, and know Your close love. Amen!
Additional Scripture: “Lord my God, I cried to You for help, and You restored my health.” (Ps. 30:2)