When Henry Blackaby wrote his Experiencing God material, he drew a lot from the books of Exodus and Deuteronomy. Blackaby reminds us that God is always at work in the world.
He builds relationships with people and calls them to join Him in God-sized tasks. At that moment, people can choose to trust God or be afraid because of their own limitations.
If they choose to trust God, He moves in their lives, and they experience Him in a way they have never experienced before.
The Israelites faced a crisis of faith. They could focus on their own weaknesses or trust in God’s power. God spoke through Moses, urging them to believe that He was working in their lives and would fulfill His promises.
“If you say to yourself, ‘These nations are more numerous than I; how can I dispossess them?’ do not be afraid of them.
Just remember what the Lord your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt, the great trials that your eyes saw, the signs and wonders, the mighty hand and the outstretched arm by which the Lord your God brought you out.
The Lord your God will do the same to all the peoples of whom you are afraid (Deuteronomy 7:17-19).
Not Like the Canaanites
The upcoming chapters will feature repeated reminders from God to the Israelites. He warns them not to mix the worship of Yahweh with that of the Canaanite gods. Here’s one example.
The images of their gods you shall burn with fire. Do not covet the silver or the gold that is on them and take it for yourself, because you could be ensnared by it, for it is abhorrent to the Lord your God.
Do not bring an abhorrent thing into your house, or you will be set apart for destruction like it. You must utterly detest and abhor it, for it is set apart for destruction (Deuteronomy 7:25-26).
One danger the Israelites faced was adopting the local forms of worship and applying them to their worship of the one true God. They were surrounded by people whose practices could influence them.
They were to avoid the idols of the Canaanites completely. Instead, they were to destroy them and banish any idea of bringing those idols into their homes, no matter how innocent they might seem.
Reflections
The world’s system is a major source of temptation for followers of Jesus today. John wrote specifically about how we should approach these temptations.
Do not love the world or the things in the world. The love of the Father is not in those who love the world, for all that is in the world—the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches—comes not from the Father but from the world (1 John 2:15-16).
The systems of the world often leave much to be desired. We are tempted by our human desires, what looks attractive to our eyes, and the pride we take in power, wealth, and prestige.
This is often the focus of the media. Yet, just as God warned the Israelites to avoid the idols of the Canaanites, He tells us to stay away from these worldly temptations.
It’s challenging to escape these things that draw us into serving them. However, with God’s help, we can choose not to embrace them and instead act with love toward God and other humans.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed this passage on YouTube today.
Real Voices 