Text:
Deuteronomy 4:15-24
Memory Verse:
“For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God”
(Deuteronomy 4:24).
The book of Deuteronomy is a re-statement of the laws of God in which Moses reminds the Israelites of God’s kindness to them and their duty to God. He persuades them to keep close to God and not abandon Him for other gods. He charges them to beware of the sin of idolatry, specifically –
1. The worship of images – remember they had made a golden calf which
they worshipped.
2. The worship of the sun, moon and stars – objects which God created to give light to the earth (Genesis 1:14-18).
Wilfully representing the creator of heaven and earth by the image of a creature made of wood or any other substance is sinful and totally acceptable. Moses reminds them that when God made Himself known to them at Horeb, He did it by a voice (of words) which sounded in their ears to teach them that faith comes by hearing – no image was presented to them, for no one can see God and live (Exodus 33:20-23).
We should not believe that God is an invisible God who has little or no control
over the affairs of men – such thoughts produce a weak faith. We can neither
change God, nor can we afford to neglect Him. We must be careful not to
offend Him. He must have our unrivalled affection and adoration. He is
merciful. We should, therefore, serve Him with reverence. He is our God and
He rewards those who serve Him faithfully. Yet, He is a consuming fire and it
would be a horrible experience to fall into the hands of the living God (Hebrews 12:28-31).
Prayer Points:
1. May I not fall into the sin of idolatry, O Lord.
2. Father, keep me from experiencing Your consuming fire.
