READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l Scripture passage records Moses’ parting words to the generation that was about to enter the promised land as he handed over the leadership to Joshua. The people felt privileged and very special as they were going to possess the promised land (land flowing with milk and honey) and claim their blessings. Moses’ instructions are also relevant to us as we enter the New Year with new challenges and opportunities.
Distinctive People Who Fear God (V12,20)
Moses exhorted them to live in reverent fear and awe of God. The people had witnessed the signs and wonders of God and experienced the provisions of God in many ways and yet were stubborn and disobedient to God. Except for Caleb, Joshua and the younger generation, the older ones were judged for their stubbornness and disobedience. They perished in the desert and failed to enter the promised land. Moses warned the people not to take God’s grace for granted. They were to circumcise their hearts as they were prone to stray, grow proud and even snub God. They were to move on to the promised land as people who fear God. The writer of Hebrews also reminded people to learn from the past or they will not enter God’s rest because of disobedience and unbelief (Hb 3:7-11).
To walk in the fear of God is to walk in God’s ways, love and serve Him with the gifts He bestowed and follow all His instructions.
Distinctive People For the Blessing of Many
We are blessed to be a blessing. God’s salvation plan begins with one man, Abraham, one family, one people and finally the Messiah (Gen 3:1-3). God chose and loved us not because we are superior or good (Deu 7:7). Abraham was a coward who sacrificed his wife to save himself twice, Isaac was a weak parent who was manipulated by his wife and son, Jacob was a schemer and deceiver. Moses did not edit these out to present them as superior.
The theology of mission encompasses a wider plan that we are part and parcel of God’s salvation plan for the world. How are we a blessing to others? How are we serving in God’s plan for the salvation of others?
Distinctive People Who Promote Justice
World justice leans towards the rich and powerful. The weak and poor who cannot afford justice are often denied justice and oppressed.
God’s justice looks out for the weak, the poor and oppressed (V17,18). The Israelites were once poor and oppressed in Egypt. God saved them so they could in turn promote God’s biblical justice for their neighbours.
Having been saved by God, we are to be agents to promote God’s justice. Jesus identified Himself as the Anointed One sent by God to preach the good news, proclaim freedom for prisoners… release the oppressed… (Lk 4:17-19).
We are saved to carry on God’s work in the world.
Excerpt from Stephen Neill, a missionary Bishop in India – “if I cannot live without Christ, can I be comfortable so long as there is one person who has not heard of Him? They must have bread, healing, education and peace. Can I try to give them all these things and withhold from them the thing that matters more than all the rest put together… the love of God in Jesus Christ?”
May we offer ourselves as hands and feet of Jesus and live as distinctive people who fear God, bless others and promote justice especially for the weak, the poor and the oppressed.
(Sermon notes by Woo Choi Yin)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- Describe the lifestyle/conduct of a modern-day person who fears God and one who does not fear God.
- How am I as a Christian(God’s people) a channel of blessing to the neighbour/peoples on earth?
- How can the gospel be creatively promoted as we bring justice to the last, the least, and the lost in Singapore and the nations?
