WHAT SETS US APART
DEUTERONOMY 4:5-8
DEUTERONOMY 4:5-8 NKJV
5 "Surely I have taught you statutes and judgments, just as the Lord my God commanded me, that you should act according to them in the land which you go to possess. 6 Therefore be careful to observe them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes, and say, 'Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.'
7 "For what great nation is there that has God so near to it, as the Lord our God is to us, for whatever reason we may call upon Him? 8 And what great nation is there that has such statutes and righteous judgments as are in all this law which I set before you this day?
OBSERVATION:
The book of Deuteronomy contains the last instruction from Moses to the nation of Israel. Moses is now around 120 years old, and his message is to those who survived the 40 years of wandering in the wilderness.
God had given the people statutes and judgments through Moses. These words of God were to be the basis of governing the nation’s conduct and behavior.
Moses cautions the people not to abandon God's words. God's words were to be their wisdom and understanding in front of the people they would meet in the land God was giving Israel.
The nations that Israel encountered did not know of Israel's God. These nations did not have God's words to act on. But when these nations observed God's way being kept by Israel, they would be impressed. They would think Israel was a great nation. A wise and understanding people.
And having God's laws and statutes was not the only difference in the nations. Israel would also have the privilege of having God near to them. A God Israel could call on. A God who would hear and answer.
God's intent was that His people would be a witness to His wisdom, justice, and goodness. That His people Israel would witness to the fact that God was real, God was powerful, and that God was good.
APPLICATION:
What pertained to the nation of Israel in the book of Deuteronomy pertains to God's people today. Those in every nation that have bowed their knee to Him and declared Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
What sets us apart is similar to the difference God made in Israel 3000 years ago.
We have God's word. His word is His wisdom, and as we act on His words, we reveal God's wisdom to those who do not know Him. God's words and wisdom can have a huge impact on our marriages, family, relationships, and marketplace dealings. All of life. Acting on His word is a solid foundation that enables us to stand when others may fall.
And we have God's presence with us. His Holy Spirit lives in us, and we can look to Him for help. We can call upon God at any time, for He never leaves or forsakes us.
God has set us apart that we may be a witness of His wisdom and goodness to those who do not know Him.