Lest we forget

Remembering the Journey: Lessons from Deuteronomy

Bible Passage: Deuteronomy 1:9–18

Summary: In Deuteronomy 1:9–18, Moses recalls the appointment of leaders among the Israelites to help carry the burden of leadership, emphasizing the importance of shared responsibility and the need to remember God's guidance during their journey.

Application: This passage reminds Christians to acknowledge God's faithfulness in their past struggles and to not forget His provision while encouraging them to share the load of leadership and responsibilities with others in their community.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that effective leadership arises from collective wisdom and shared burdens. It underscores the importance of remembering our spiritual history as we make decisions and face challenges in the community.

How this passage could point to Christ: Jesus embodies the ultimate leader who invites us to cast our burdens upon Him and find rest. He is the fulfillment of the communal call to leadership through His establishment of the Church and the empowerment of believers to share the Gospel.

Big Idea: In times of decision-making and challenges, we must remember God's past faithfulness and lean on one another for support, reflecting on our shared journey in light of His presence.

Recommended Study: As you prepare for this sermon, consider delving into the historical context of Deuteronomy using your Logos library. Explore commentaries that discuss the significance of appointed leaders in ancient Israel and how similar structures apply today. It might also be helpful to look at the Hebrew text for deeper insights into the implications of Moses' words, particularly around the concepts of forgetfulness and remembrance.

1. God is faithful

Deuteronomy 1:9-11

Moses intentionally stated this because he wanted to remind the promise he made to their father Abraham, Genesis 12:1-3

Genesis 12:1–3 ASV

Now Jehovah said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto the land that I will show thee: and I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and be thou a blessing: and I will bless them that bless thee, and him that curseth thee will I curse: and in thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed.

Illustration

Have you ever tried to keep a promise to a friend, only to get sidetracked by life's distractions? God, however, is like that reliable friend who always remembers what He said! Remember the story of Noah? After the flood, God promised Noah never to destroy the earth again, with a rainbow as His sign. Every time we see a rainbow, it’s a reminder that God is faithful to His promises, no matter what!

God’s past faithfulness points to His future faithfulness.

John D. Barry; Rebecca Kruyswijk

This statement was to encourage, uplift, remind the Israelites that them being alive is proof that God is faithful. We being alive now is proof that God is faithful.

say it with me “God is faithful”

Finish the sentence by saying that word

When you failed your exams “__________________”

When you did not get the job you applied for “__________________”

When you do not have enough money to get food “__________________”

When you do not know how to lead and provide for your family “__________________”

When you are worried about your future “__________________”

I am not saying that you just sit still in your house and do absolutely nothing and expect to receive. The Israelites while receiving God blessing, what were they doing? they were being productive as well as journeying to the promised land. God has called us to journey with Him & be productive towards the mission Jesus set for us, to prosper and win souls in this sinful world.

2. Share your burdens

Deuteronomy 1:12–15 ASV

How can I myself alone bear your cumbrance, and your burden, and your strife? Take you wise men, and understanding, and known, according to your tribes, and I will make them heads over you. And ye answered me, and said, The thing which thou hast spoken is good for us to do. So I took the heads of your tribes, wise men, and known, and made them heads over you, captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds, and captains of fifties, and captains of tens, and officers, according to your tribes.

Moses experienced first hand the effects of trying to do things alone. He also emphasized that this idea was agreed by all the people of Israel. Therefore they cannot deny it. to share burdens there needs to be a structure in place.

Exodus 18:17–18 ASV

And Moses’ father-in-law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good. Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for the thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone.

Historically, the early church faced persecution, but they thrived because of their unity. Acts 2 describes how they shared everything in common and supported one another. This strong bond not only helped them survive but also enabled them to spread the Gospel far and wide. When we are united, we are more efficient in our mission for Christ, helping each other grow and carry out God’s work together. Their unity helped them accomplish their divine calling.

Moses here recalls the time that his work was too overwhelming for Him. So he called the Perhaps consider the wisdom in Moses' system of sharing leadership through appointed elders, which illustrates the importance of recognizing that none of us are meant to carry burdens alone.

This could nudge listeners to value the gifts and wisdom within their community and lean on one another, acknowledging that Jesus, as our ultimate leader, also chooses to work through us collectively.

3. Reflect God's Justice

Deuteronomy 1:16-18

You might explore how Moses instructed the leaders to judge fairly, pointing to God's justice as the ultimate standard. This could segue into discussing how Christ, our ultimate Judge and Advocate, perfectly embodies justice and mercy. Encourage Christians to reflect on how they serve in leadership roles, ensuring their decisions align with God's just nature, and trust in Jesus' leadership in the community.