STAY ALERT
10th Apr 2024
Moses is about to die, he has been told he will not cross into the Promised Land; and the book of Deuteronomy in the Old Testament is a collection of his last sermons reminding the Children of Israel of all that God had done for them, and all He expected of them in the future. The words of Chapter 4 verse 9 in The Message greatly impacted me -
“Just make sure you stay alert. Keep close watch over yourselves. Don’t forget anything of what you’ve seen. Don’t let your heart wander off. Stay vigilant as long as you live. Teach what you’ve seen and heard to your children and grandchildren.”
Even though the Children of Israel had heard and seen God in action, experienced miracles, it was easy for them to get drawn away from obeying the Lord. Easy for them to forget His commands and start complaining and moaning. Easy to turn to idols (Golden Calf), and easy to forget what they had seen God do and what He promised He would do if they were obedient and expectant of His promises.
Stay Alert - Jesus tells us this over and over. You have an enemy who wants to disconnect you from God, loves to promote idols in your life, wants you to time waste and be too busy to put God in His rightful place.
Don’t forget what you’ve seen - Remember what you have experienced in your Christian life and be thankful you have had your eyes opened to the eternal realm. Thank God for all that He has shown you and the miracles you have experienced, and look for opportunities to share them and encourage someone.
Don’t let your heart wander off - It’s easy to do this. Are you reading God’s word? Praying and using God’s resources? Believing in what you have asked for, that He is at work, and that you will receive? Are you seeking to be obedient to what He has shown you? Life is very busy and it takes discipline to set aside time to interact with the Lord. Great benefits for those who do!
Teach what you’ve seen and heard to your children and grandchildren - Tell your stories, give your testimony, tell of your mistakes and speak of God’s mercy and forgiveness. Tell of God’s wonders and the way He had blessed and provided for you, and how He is still answering your prayer and doing wonders. Speak about what you are reading and tell other testimonies you have heard.
We have the privilege of knowing God, receiving His life giving Spirit. So let’s keep close watch over ourselves and keep believing all He has promised us.
by Joyce Sibthorpe