Heralds Digest

“Now see that I, even I, am He, And there is no God besides Me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; Nor is there any who can deliver from My hand.” (Deuteronomy 32:39 NKJV) In the depth of every man’s state of disorganized potentials and damaged possessions, it is easy to see nothing but frustrations and shifting of accusations. Even when it’s possible someone orchestrate actions that acceptably diminish the potentials of self or others, God’s ultimate plan remains good for those who can fully surrender to His sovereignty. Although He often kills to keep alive, and may open wound to keep healthy, seeking alternative path to prosperity will obviously be an effort in futility. While it is normal to query the incidences of our trials, God’s intentions are unquestionable.

"Then He inaugurated (commissioned) Joshua the son of Nun, and said, "Be strong and of good courage; for you shall bring the children of Israel into the land of which I swore to them, and I will be with you."" (Deuteronomy 31:23 NKJV) The bringing of the children of Israel into the Promised Land is no small project; it extends beyond the life of Moses. With Joshua's commissioning, the continuation of the project, from where Moses stopped, was guaranteed. Needless to underscore the fact that any project without God's commissioning instrument must die with its initiator. We are all called to serve our generation while we breathe. Although every engagement in activities that produce any good is commendable, only those with the backing of God, and guarantee the extension of goodness beyond our life, are commendable. Invariably, we can live forever when we elect to become God's project, instead of assuming the position of the manager.

“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 NKJV) Change is easily managed and highly motivated when all new conditions clearly indicate improvement over the old conditions. However, when conditions and circumstances surrounding the life project appear to proceed without clear improvement, the cause for alarm is evident. All of Israel, including Moses and Joshua, understood the dilemma of the proposed change of leadership from Moses to Joshua; and how it could create fear and discouragement, unless God’s position is accepted by faith. We can only accept any change in condition, location and position with motivational strength and courage, when we are confident about the fact that God that lead the way is unchanging.

“I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.” (Deuteronomy 30:19 NKJV) What if the Creator of heaven and earth had not given man the privilege to choose between life and earth? Man would probably have been free from cursing; but then he would equally be unqualified for God’s blessing of obedience. As a special kind, out of all of God’s creatures, with freedom to choose, the possession of all of God’s other creatures by man, both in heaven and earth, is of less importance to God, compared to the dominion that man is expected to have over all. Our acceptance of the choice of life over death (dominion) is a deserved worship of God’s Majesty.

"And I have led you forty years in the wilderness. Your clothes have not worn out on you, and your sandals have not worn out on your feet. You have not eaten bread, nor have you drunk wine or similar drink, that you may know that I am the Lord your God." (Deuteronomy 29:5-6 NKJV) It is difficult to live in our world where economy is driven by the spending power of its citizens without getting infected with skewed priority in the assessment of needs. And unless the economy is recessed or we are in the wilderness, like the children of Israel, our wants will always appreciate beyond the level of our needs. Man often want changeable clothing and varieties in food menu; while our needs are simply not more than covering and sustenance for the body. But if we can maintain an attitude of gratitude, trusting in the proficiency of God with his promises, we would always be grateful even when only our sufficient needs are provided.

“ And the LORD will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you today, and are careful to observe them. ” (Deuteronomy 28:13 NKJV) If the head -grades literally represent for the A-graders among students or the gold medalists among athletes, everyone knows that the principle of discipline, diligence, and hard-work before success will be a hard sell, especially, because of the possibility of shortcuts. In God’s standard, and unlike man’s competitive standards, everyone is called up with a unique scale of performance. Which implies that, being the best that the Creator has made one to be can never be measured using the standard of any other. When we are outside God’s commands, our head -grade could be His tail -grade. Although we cannot all lead, everyone can be the head.

"Then Moses and the priests, the Levites, spoke to all Israel, saying, “Take heed and listen, O Israel: This day you have become the people of the Lord your God. Therefore you shall obey the voice of the Lord your God, and observe His commandments and His statutes which I command you today.” (Deuteronomy 27:9-10 NKJV) Earning increasing right to speak words of authority, that commands someone else's attention, is more than the ability to make clearer statements. The statement regarding Israel's becoming the people of God at the verge of crossing Jordan to the Promised Land represents an expression of God's greater authority, compared with the expression of the same status (people of God) while they were in Egypt. Apparently, wilderness experience creates the best atmosphere for sacred romance between Israel and God. Not only would our experience change for the better as we walk through the wilderness with God, God expects improvement in His authority to command alleg...