It was in Arabah, a desolate place east of the Dead Sea, hostile to life – a place that reminded the people of their dependence on the Sustainer, that Moses spoke to the people of Israel, “Your eyes have seen what the Lord did” (Deut. 4:3). The redeemed people were reminded that Jehovah’s purpose and precepts were their wisdom and understanding (v.6). The reputation of God’s people was that neighboring peoples would say of them, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.” But why? Is it because they were such shrewd people of higher intellect? No. Moses answers with a question, “What great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the Lord our God is to us, whenever we call upon him?”
The nearness of God makes the difference in how we perceive and engage life
– the challenges and the pleasures.
John informed us that “The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world” (John 1:9). Light is information that leads to wisdom and understanding. This “Word (information) become flesh and dwelt among us” (v.14). In history, God has made himself known to us – in word and in person – so that we can know him, walk with him and delight in him (“grace and truth”). In Jesus, our eyes have seen what the Lord did. John summarized it well in the prologue of his first letter, “that our joy may be complete” (1 John 1:4).
This calls for our contemplation and our resolve as Moses exhorted the people, “Only take care and keep your soul diligently” (Deut. 4:9). We are prone to wander as we are inundated with distractions to find our security and satisfaction in lesser, created things instead of the benevolent Sustainer who is our soul’s reward. The proverb says it well, “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life” (Prov. 4:23).
The diligence of keeping your soul is in drawing near to God; the benefit is that he will draw near to you (James 4:8). He invites you to draw near as he made it possible through Christ’s reconciling work. So, walk with Jesus following close in his steps toward the Father who has implanted his nature and his Spirit in you so that your inner person is strengthened and renewed day-by-day. This is a life-cleansing discipline for your good and your joy.
God longs to commune with us. “Gather the people to me,” he directs, “that I may let them hear my words” (Deut. 4:10). “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,” Paul writes, (Col. 3:16) as life-giving nourishment to your soul. It is the Lord who gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding (Prov. 2:6). As this is incarnated “in the sight of the peoples” (Deut. 4:6), it points them to him. He is the point.
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