God's Guidance (Deuteronomy1:5-8; 2:1-7)
Sermon Summary
Pastor David Yan
6 June 2021
God is real. His reality is seen by the way he guided Israel in tangible ways in its wilderness years. Sceptics may doubt God but Israel’s perpetuity defies such doubts.
The story of ancient Israel is an example for us today (1 Cor. 10:1-11).
God gave directions to Israel in the wilderness without which Israel could not have survived. Today, God guides the church in its pilgrimage without which the church would not survive. He guides us through our reading of the Bible led by the Holy Spirit.
God knew the time for Israel to move on. They had skirted Mount Seir long enough. It was now time to move on. To every thing there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven.
He gave leadership to Israel. Moses was the man for Israel. Born-leaders are God-given. Moses was God’s provision for Israel. Jesus is the God-given leader for the Christian church.
He gave instructions to Israel as to how to conduct itself before the nations. Being delivered from bondage is one thing; how to conduct itself in the world was another matter. Both Israel and the church are lights for God in a dark world.
Israel had a destination — Canaan, the promised land. Christians have a destination — heaven. This world is not our home we are just passing through. Worldly things are transient; heavenly things are eternal. Seek that which will last not that which will soon be past.
Israel knew its past failings (1:26ff.). It also knew God’s mercy. Israel was to look back and stay humble. “I once was lost but now am found; was blind but now I see.” Amazing grace keeps us humble.
The lesson for us is to move on in life. Jesus is our leader, We are pilgrims on our way to heaven. Stop skirting earthly mountains when it is time for you to move on.
Set your mind on things above, not on things the earth (Col.2:2).