The Command

Deuteronomy 1:1–8

INTRO

Good morning, Journey Church! Today we begin a brand-new series called The Recap. Next week schools across Baldwin County begin a new year. As a teacher I can tell you that almost every classroom begins the same way—with a review. We don't hand out the final exam on the first day. We review because tomorrow's lesson is built on yesterday's lesson. That is exactly what Moses is doing. Israel is standing on the edge of the Promised Land. Forty years have passed. A new generation is ready to enter Canaan, but before God moves them forward, He tells them to stop and remember. Series Theme: “You cannot faithfully move into God's future until you remember God's past.” Joke: A preacher and three friends were golfing. On the last hole the preacher missed a short putt and blurted out something he shouldn't have. One friend smiled and said, “Preacher, that's not exactly what you said.” The preacher looked toward heaven and replied, “Lord…at least we're making progress!” That is Deuteronomy. God isn't speaking to perfect people. He's speaking to people who have failed, wandered, doubted, and complained—but He isn't finished with them.

BIBLE VERSE

Read Deuteronomy 1:1–8.

BIBLE VERSE EXPLANATION

Deuteronomy means “second law,” not because God gave a different law, but because Moses is explaining God's covenant again to a new generation. Verse 2 reminds us the trip should have taken eleven days. Instead it took forty years because of unbelief. Before they cross the Jordan, Moses wants them to understand why.

1. RECAP

A. EXPLANATION Moses begins with history before he gives instruction. God reminds His people of His faithfulness before He calls them to obedience. We naturally remember hurts and forget blessings. Throughout Scripture God says, “Remember.” Remember the Passover. Remember the Sabbath. Remember the covenant. Remember the Lord's faithfulness. Before Israel could possess tomorrow, they had to remember yesterday. B. ILLUSTRATION Think about a family photo album. It doesn't create memories—it preserves them. Parents pull it out so children remember where they came from. Deuteronomy is Israel's family album. Moses is turning the pages before they begin a new chapter. C. APPLICATION What has God already done for you? Has He answered prayers? Provided when money was tight? Carried you through grief? Saved your soul? Spend time remembering God's faithfulness this week. Gratitude fuels trust.

2. MOVING ON

A. EXPLANATION Verse 6 says, “You have stayed long enough at this mountain.” Horeb was not a bad place. It was where Israel received the Law and experienced God's presence. But even a good place becomes the wrong place if we stay after God says move. God prepares us in one season so we will obey Him in the next. Sometimes we become comfortable where God intended us to be challenged. B. ILLUSTRATION When railroads first appeared, many people believed traveling fifteen miles an hour would be dangerous. Today we laugh at that fear. Yet spiritually we often resist change because it is unfamiliar. We prefer comfortable over obedient. C. APPLICATION Where have you stopped growing? Has fear, comfort, disappointment, or success caused you to stop following where God is leading? God may be saying to you today, “You've stayed here long enough. It's time to move.”

3. LISTEN TO THE LORD

A. EXPLANATION Verse 8 begins with the word “See.” God wanted Israel to see His promise before they experienced it. Then He said, “Go in and take possession.” Faith begins by hearing God and obeying Him. The Hebrew idea of hearing carries the thought of hearing with the intention of obeying. God's commands always rest on God's promises. B. ILLUSTRATION Charles Swindoll told about calling one of his children several times before realizing she had headphones on. She wasn't ignoring him; she simply couldn't hear because something else was louder. Sometimes God is speaking, but the noise of life drowns out His voice. C. APPLICATION What has God already told you to do? Forgive? Serve? Share your faith? Spend time in His Word? Don't wait for another sign. Obey the last thing God clearly told you through His Word.

CONCLUSION

As school begins next week, teachers will review because they want their students to succeed. Moses reviewed because he wanted Israel to succeed in the Promised Land. God has preserved Deuteronomy because He wants us to succeed in our walk with Him. Remember God's faithfulness. Move when God says move. Listen when God speaks. All of this points us to Jesus Christ. Israel entered the Promised Land by trusting God's Word. We enter God's Kingdom by trusting God's Son. The cross reminds us of God's faithfulness. The empty tomb reminds us His promises never fail. You cannot faithfully move into God's future until you remember God's past. Invitation: If you've never trusted Christ, today is the day. If you're a believer who has been camped at the same mountain too long, ask God for the courage to take the next step of obedience.