March 25- The Benefits of A Wise Teacher

March 25, 2011

Scripture Readings:
Deuteronomy 4:1-49; Luke 6:39-7:10
Psalm 68:1-18; Proverbs 11:28

I like a teacher who gives you something to take home to think about besides homework. 
~Edith Ann  (Lily Tomlin)

Deuteronomy 4:1-49

There is nothing so great as a wonderful teacher.  If you are a person who is curious or is seeking truth or likes to learn new things, a good teacher is like a warm blanket on a cold night.  I had a wonderful fifth grade teacher named Judy Collins.  When I think back to that year, rather than having specific memories, I have feelings...warm feelings.  That year in school I felt safe, cared for, challenged, inspired, and loved.  That's what a good teacher can do for a person.  Today Moses is a good teacher to the young people of Israel.  Their parents have died in the wilderness.  Moses is recounting the important history of Israel and highlighting the lessons of their nation.  He is a wise historian, a concerned father of the nation, and a bold prophet of things to come.  Moses gives advice, admonition, prophecies, perspective, and purpose to the people of Israel.  These are all good things that a good teacher provides.

Advice

In order to highlight the advice that Moses is giving this younger generation, I am going to list some of the verbs in verses 1-14 of chapter 4:

• Listen carefully
• Obey
• Do not add or subtract to the Law
• Pass them on
• Watch out
• Never forget

Moses tells this group that if they will obey the Laws that the Lord has given them, they will have a good reputation among the nations.  The surrounding people groups will say what a wise and prudent people they are.  Part of Israel's purpose was to glorify their God by being a wise people.


Admonition

Moses has warnings for Israel.  The biggest warning is to not fall into idolatry.  Moses reminds them that the Lord did not take a form when He met with Moses or led them through the wilderness.  He simply spoke from a pillar of fire.  God was a voice. Moses warns them to never make an image of an animal, man, woman, fish, creeping thing, sun, moon, or stars to worship and represent God.  This is an offense to God.  Moses tells the group that God is a consuming fire and He is jealous for their love. We can learn from Moses' admonition.  We are not to find idols to worship, even today. 

Prophecy

Moses lays out for the Israelites the consequences if they disobey God and fall into idolatry.  Moses prophesies that they will be removed from the land and destroyed. The Jews will be scattered among the nations and will not be the great population of people that they were. Moses prophesies that they will turn from their wicked ways eventually, and seek God, again.  When they seek Him, they will find Him.  They will have bitter days in the future, but in the far future they will finally listen to the Lord and obey Him because God is intent on fulfilling His promise to Abraham.

Perspective

Starting in verse 32, Moses reminds them that no other people group on earth has experienced what the Jews are experiencing. They have heard the voice of God and survived. They have been chosen by Him to receive miracles, wonders, trials, war, power, and terrifying acts from God.  Why? 

Purpose

Moses says that God has done this for the Israelites to prove that the Lord is God and there is no god other than Him.  They heard His voice so that He could instruct them.  They saw His fire so that He could speak to them. He brought them out of Egypt, because He loved their ancestors.  He drove out nations so that He could give them the land as a possession, forever.

There you have it, folks.  A great summary of truth by a great teacher.  As believers in God we can place ourselves in the nation of Israel's shoes.  We must obey God, not have idols, claim His promises of salvation for us, accept that we have been chosen by God to be part of His family, and through faith in God, prove that there is no other God besides Him.

Are you fulfilling your mission?

Luke 6:39-7:10

Moses was a type of Christ.  Moses was a good teacher.  Jesus is the ultimate teacher.  Today Jesus gives those listening to his teachings some of the same advice that Moses gave to the nation of Israel.  Truths are timeless and have to be repeated and reemphasized.  Jesus states today that a student is not greater than his teacher.  But, if a student works hard, he or she will become like the teacher.  What is Jesus saying to us?

I believe he is encouraging us to put in hours of Bible study like he did.  We are to learn God's Word (hear His voice) so that we can be like our teacher, Jesus Christ. Jesus indicates in his teaching today what the key is to having a solid foundation for a godly life.  He says that listening to his teaching and then OBEYING what he says is the foundation for a godly life.  He uses the famous illustration of a house being build on a rock, rather than being built on sand.

Is your life built on the solid teachings of Christ?  From where do you chart your moral compass?  How do you determine what is right and wrong in this life?  Jesus indicates that if you are not determining things based on the Bible, your life is being built on sand.

Psalm 68:1-18

Please review Vs. 5-14.  Here is another recounting of God's mighty acts to Israel.  Remember, God did this to say something to the whole world about His power and authority on earth.

Proverbs 11:28

"Trust in your money and down you go!"  I can't improve on that sentiment!

What did you see today?

Blessings,

Jubilee Gal
Kathy Fullerton
© 2011