Perrydox.com is devoted to the pursuit of truth, whether plain or paradoxical, whether simple or sublime, or simply absurd yet absolute.
Deuteronomy 4:1-8 – Praying through the Bible #57 – A Prayer that Reveals God
If others do not know our God and all they know is what they see and hear from us, what would they think they know about the God of the Bible? What rules would they think this Righteous One has revealed as to how we should live? What kind of God do we reveal? According to those watching, who is this God we worship?
In Deuteronomy, Moses is giving “last rights” to Israel before he dies. Literally, “the second law” is his last words where he tells Israel what is right. Their forefathers failed, falling in the wilderness doing what was wrong (4.3). Moses encourages: “Listen to the statues and ordinances I am teaching you to follow” (Dt 4.1). Then he says why, “So that you may live, enter and take possession of the Land Yahweh, of the God of your fathers, is giving you” (Dt 4.1). Getting a promised reward for righteousness is not the only gift given or received. Getting a life well-lived, having prayers answered, and getting the attention of those watching are gifts too. Our lives reveal our God.
Concerning these God-given rules, Moses reiterates, “You must not add anything to what I command you or take anything away from it, so that you may keep the commands of the LORD your God I am giving you” (4.2). Then he says why: “Carefully follow them, for this will show your wisdom and understanding in the eyes of the peoples. When they hear about all these statutes, they will say, ‘This great nation is indeed a wise and understanding people’” (4.6). This is why it has always been important to neither add nor take away. When we change God’s will, we are living by our wisdom, not God’s. An unfortunate consequence is that when people see us, they will think we are living by God’s. What we change, changes how people see God.
God is not just about giving orders. He hears requests too which is another reward. Moses compares Israel’s God to the false gods. “For what great nation is there that has a god near to it as the LORD our God is to us whenever we call to Him?” (4.7). God was always there for Israel when Israel obeyed. This forces all of us to inwardly search. Is our prayer life dependent or independent upon faithfulness? Is God only as near to us as we are to Him in prayer and obedience? What do our prayers reveal about God?
Three things are said about this “great nation.” They are wise when they obey (4.6); they have a God who cares about them when they pray and obey (4.7); they have a great way of living, better than anyone else when they obey (4.8). All three of these can be said about us today if we follow the way of God revealed in the New Testament. But more than what we receive is being taught. Our lives reveal. What does our life say about our God? What do people think they know about our God because of our life?
Prayer Challenge: Prayers are linked to faithfulness. This does not mean God will always say yes if we are always obeying. But it does mean God will say no, if we are not. Pray that our lives will be faithful and will reveal the truth about God.
Comments