Wisdom for the New Year Part 2
Often times we think of mistakes as something that we leave in the past and do not ever think about or bring up. However, there is another way to look at mistakes or errors that we have experienced. When we look back and reflect on past mistakes or things that have taken place we actually gain a better understanding of what we did wrong. It shows that we are actually gaining wisdom when we learn from our mistakes. We’re continuing on from last week’s sermon about wisdom and looking into the next couple of chapters of Deuteronomy. Deuteronomy 1-3 is all about Moses providing wisdom to the new generation before they came into the promised land. He’s doing this so that the new generation can learn from the mistake of their parents as they spent 40 years in the wilderness because they didn’t trust God. There are two main points that Moses drives among this new generation in Deuteronomy that we can take as wisdom for the year to come:
Remember His Provision (Deuteronomy 2:1-7)
The journey into the promised land was only supposed to take 11 days, but it took 40 years because the people did not trust God. Even though the Israelites were aimlessly wandering in the wilderness for generations to pass, God still looked after them and provided for them. Verse 7 plainly states that God was with his people during those 40 years and he made sure that they did not lack anything. It’s amazing to see how wide and deep God’s love and provision for his people even though they didn’t fully trust His plans or where he was taking them. This stands true today, James 1:17 states that whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father. He never changes. Just as he looked after his people in the wilderness, he looks after and provides for us today. We are reminded that his presence will always come with his provision. Since we’re still in the beginnings of this new year, let’s take time to reflect on the year that has passed and be reminded of God’s provision and goodness. The thing that we can learn from the generation that walked in the wilderness is that we can place our trust in God fully. Let us be faithful to God as he has been faithful to us.
Know God’s Purpose (Deuteronomy 2:8-15)
God’s purpose behind the Israelites walking around the wilderness for 38 or so years was so that the people could learn from their mistakes. He vowed that all the men old enough to fight in battle would die in the wilderness so that the new generation would learn and to be reminded of God’s judgement. We need to understand that when God promises us something it comes with His purpose, not ours. God’s promises are driven by His purpose and His purpose is driven by His promises. All we need to do is be obedient and understand that His purpose will be done. It’s a reminder that we need to remove all the things that distract us from focusing on God as our purpose is to be holy as He is. Let this be an encouragement for us to trust in God’s promises and purpose for our lives. Let us be set apart and be driven by God’s purpose and not our own.
Father God,
Thank you for your never changing love. We are so thankful that you are a God that provides, helps and cares for us even when we don’t deserve it. I pray that we reflect on your goodness and provision. I pray that we come to understand that we live for your purpose.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen