Bible Lessons

From: Messages of God's Love: 1925

Deuteronomy 29

THE first, and twelfth to fifteenth verses, are particularly important, for they show plainly that it was not the covenant of Sinai, alone, but something added thereto of the kindness of God, “The covenant, which the Lord commanded Moses to make with the children of Israel . . . besides the covenant which he made with them in Horeb.”

The law—the ten commandments—could never have brought this people into the place of blessing; it could only pronounce a dreadful curse upon them, but as long as they “hearkened diligently unto the voice of the Lord their God” (chapter 28:1), and walked in His ways, His blessing would be upon them.

How wonderfully they had been delivered, and for those many years led in safety, protected and cared for all the way they had traveled; clothes and shoes had not worn out; food had been provided every day; enemies who came out against them were vanquished, and their land taken for a possession. Why should there be any (verse 18) whose hearts would turn away from God? Yet we know what is the truth about men in this present day:

“God commendeth His love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners. Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8⁸But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8).

“Today, if ye will hear His voice harden not your hearts.” Hebrews 3:7, 8⁷Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, ⁸Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: (Hebrews 3:7‑8).

“We which have believed do enter into rest.” Hebrews 4:3³For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. (Hebrews 4:3).

“This is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” John 3:19¹⁹And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. (John 3:19).

Verse 29: This speaks of what God had, in His purpose of blessing, when all had failed. “The things which are revealed,” were what Moses was telling the people, but behind, to be brought out in “due time” (Romans 5:6⁶For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. (Romans 5:6)) was the hidden, secret purpose of God to provide His beloved Son as a ransom for the sins of the many who would receive Him by faith.

Beloved reader, what think ye of Christ? Are you resting in the one sacrifice He made, on behalf of believing sinners?

ML 03/15/1925

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