As I have thought about our lesson for today, my mind keeps drawing back to one of the overall messages of the book of Deuteronomy. This book contains Moses last discourses to the Israelites. If I knew that my time was limited with my family, what would I want them to know? What would I tell them? Moses taught the Israelites how to create an environment that would help them resist Satan's temptations. So I'll ask you, "what are some things that we can do to shield ourselves from Satan's temptations?"
What reminders of Christ, His words, and our covenants are in our homes? Do the pictures on our walls, the books we read, and the movies and television shows we watch remind us of the Lord, or do they suggest a longing for the world?
You'll remember that they have been in the wilderness for 40 years. They have been tested, chastened, and taught during this time. The Lord told them that they were finally ready to enter into the promised land, but first he had some important instructions for them. Moses delivered these instructions in 3 sermons recorded in the book of Deuteronomy.
In these sermons Moses reviewed Israel's 40-year sojourn in the wilderness, recognizing God's hand in their deliverance. Moses also discussed Israel's responsibilities as God's chosen people. he emphasized that they must obey God's commandments, particularly the commands to remember Him and refrain from idol worship. Moses warned that although the children of Israel were ready to enter the promised land, if they returned to wickedness they would lose their inheritance and be scattered.
Our life on earth is much like the Israelites journey in the wilderness. I am confident that the Lord is constantly blessing us. He stands to guide and direct us by day and by night. Do we invite him in? Do we look for his light and direction or is that light crowded by distractions (even good things can distract us if we do not manage our time).
Moses is trying to teach the Israelites, one last time, how to surround themselves with things that will protect them. He wants them to remember God and to keep the covenants they have made with him. I know that the things we surround ourselves with; books, pictures, and music can be powerful reminders of our Father in Heaven and the covenants we have made with him. Just as the Israelites wore "frontlets" with scriptures written on them, we can build upon the Rock and surround ourselves with things that help us to remember and follow the Lord.
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