Many of us are alarmed at reports showing steep declines of faith among our young people. It’s increasingly hard to raise godly children in a godless world.
Moses was no less concerned for the young people of his day. Near the end of his life, he delivered a series of sermons to teach the new generation – those about to enter Canaan – about the covenant of the Lord.
Except for Joshua and Caleb, the older generation had perished in the wilderness. Those who had been children during the Kxodus were now ready to follow Joshua across the Jordan; but before Moses passed the reigns of leadership, he had a final opportunity to explain the Word of God to the Israelites.
The word “Deuteronomy” means the retelling or second giving of the Law. The first 26 chapters of this book contain the introduction, background, and requirements of the covenant.
- Chapters 27 through 30 give the curses and blessings of the covenant.
Mount Sinai Location of God giving the Law to Moses - The final four chapters relate the transfer of leadership from Moses to Joshua.
- It’s summary up in chapter 6, when Moses gives timeless instruction about instilling faith within our children:
“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.”
And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up” (Deut 6:5-7.
Key Thought:
Every new generation needs to learn the lessons of the Lord and develop a heritage of faith and obedience.
Key Verses:
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord:And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might” (Deut 6:4-5).
Key Action:
Share the truth of God with your children, with your grandchildren, and with the generation to come.