March 19 - Deuteronomy 26:1-29:1

Good morning everyone,

This morning we begin our reading with the Israelites once more being instructed to, upon entering the promised land, express their gratitude to God for saving them and keeping them safe by giving Him the first fruits of the land. In addition they were to go to the priest in charge and verbally acknowledge how it was they were brought out of Egypt. I wonder, how often do we stop and express our gratitude to God for providing a way for us to the promised land? How often do we stop to realize all Jesus gave up when He moved out of heaven to dwell amongst us on earth; the pain and suffering He endured so that we may live. 

In chapter 27 we will read that when the Israelites crossed the Jordan they were to set up some large stones and cover them with plaster then they were to write the law on them. At Mount Ebal they were to build a simple alter from uncut stones:

Fun fact ~ In April of 1980, Adam Zertal, Ph.D, Prof. Of Archeology, Univ. of Haifa was doing a formal archaeological survey of the traditional lands of Manasseh at Mount Ebal and discovered a Hebrew Altar that dated to 1250 BC, which is believed to be the alter Joshua built. The article from www.bible.ca goes on to say:
In a discussion with Adam Zertal, he said that this archeological site has made a Bible believer out of him. Amen! Adam Zertal has undergone a transformation of faith that is truly remarkable. Like most of his fellow Israeli archeologists, he did not believe the Bible stories of the exodus to be true….After studying the structure for three years with no idea what is was used for, he suddenly realized that it was the site of Joshua's Altar. We agree with him and now he believes the Bible.
Is that amazing or what!?!

The instructions to the Israelites were to take half the tribes and go to the top of Mount Ebal while the others went to the top of Mount Gerizim, both were approximately 2000 ft. high with a valley between. Can you imagine the acoustics there. Go ahead, in your minds eye let yourself stand on the edge for just a moment and shout at the top of your lungs HELLO. Now close your eyes and hear it amplify off the walls of the canyon. Now imagine if you will these two sets of people, as the law was read the Israelites on Mount Ebal would say “Amen” to the curses while those on Mount Gerizim would affirm the blessings. What a life lesson for these people. Hearing the curses and the blessings reverberating would be over the top. When you walked down off that hill, there would be no question in your mind or your heart about God’s will for your life. 

In chapter 28 as Moses continues to prepare the people he tells them that if they do what the Lord tells them then they won’t have to go looking for blessings, they will come naturally. Oh how I love that God wants to bless us, He wants for us to succeed. God is dependable. He keep His promises. He doesn't lie. He doesn't change. He so loves us!

Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Amen?!

I pray you have a great day, to God be the glory.

God bless you all …