Then I said to you, “Do not be terrified; do not be afraid of them.” Deuteronomy 1:29 (Chapter 1)
The word ‘Deuteronomy’ means ‘repetition of the law’. On the eve of entrance into Canaan, Moses expounds on God’s commands and leads the people in rehearsal for their new way of life. From verse 26-31 Moses recounts the weakness of the people’s faith, but reminds his hearers of God’s faithfulness to them, His loved people, and His covenant.
The episode of total, spiritual breakdown, after the spies return and tell of great walled cities and vast armies already residing in Canaan, is told once again. The rebellion that followed cost a generation their inheritance, yet God forgave, and those who know nothing but absolute reliance on God would soon enter their homeland.
The mentality of the original Israelites constantly questioned God’s dedication and love. They felt certain God was toying, playing them for fools and staging them for total failure. How little self-respect and worth they must have felt to have arrived at these conclusions.
God has no hidden agenda. He may be jealous of our affections, but He is NOT malicious. The plan is quite obvious in the story of man’s history. Each of us is born to worship god alone, love one another and experience eternal life. It is a free choice, but God is Good, loving and faithful. He will care you as a father carries his son.
Love,
Gretchen