Tuesday, March 31, 2015

SOAP 03/29/2019; Deuteronomy 29:29

Today's reading: Deuteronomy 29

S) "29 The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law."

Deuteronomy 29:29 (NASB)

O) Here the Israelites were in Moab, about to enter the Promised Land. God had given them a new covenant, that would stand along with the one they received at Horeb (see v.1). The people were reminded of how far they've come, and the great miracles God has done for them. They were reminded of the glory of the LORD that had been revealed to them. Then they were reminded, almost like a command, that there are mysteries about God, about what He does and why, that were going to remain a secret. The people were encouraged to take comfort in what they do know, in what was revealed. They were to cherish those experiences, that knowledge of who God is and what He had done. They were encouraged that the things God has revealed were sufficient. They don't need to know every secret. They don't need to solve every mystery.

A) This verse has immediate implications in my life. So often, I look around my life and I want answers. I want to know why, I want to know how. There are several scriptures in the New Testament, though, that directly align with the verse above. For example, 1 Corinthians 2:11-13 shows us that we only know of God the things He chooses to reveal. Also, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 shows us the sufficiency of Scripture (there are others on both accounts). The most important thing for me, is to remain humble and know that my life is lived on a need-to-know basis. If God determines that I don't need to know something, then I will not know it. The world without God, searches in vain for ultimate truth. If I am not careful, I will fall into the same trap, searching for more and more knowledge. Ultimately, God does not ask us to solve every mystery. Rather than chasing down answers to every hypothetical question, I should only seek to answer one: Here I am, Lord; what would You have Your servant do?

P) Father, I don't ever want to overstep my bounds. You have permitted me knowledge. You have given me a mind that keeps learning. I want to know more and more of You, Father, but not only for the sake of knowledge. I don't want to be a man who knows every answer, and solves no problems. I want to walk in obedience to You, Lord, and accomplish the purposes You have called me to do. I don't want to be full of information and empty of deeds. Help me be a doer, not just a talker. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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