Evangelical Lutheran Diocese of North America

Monday after the Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity Sunday

Posted on September 13, 2021 by Pastor Dulas under Devotions
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Scripture: Deuteronomy 4:4-7 (NKJV)
 
4:4 But you who held fast to the Lord your God are alive today, every one of you.
 
5 “Surely I have taught you statutes and judgments, just as the Lord my God commanded me, that you should act according to them in the land which you go to possess. 6 Therefore be careful to observe them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes, and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’
 
7 “For what great nation is there that has God so near to it, as the Lord our God is to us, for whatever reason we may call upon Him?”
 
Devotion
 
God knew that the people of Israel would forget the statutes and commandments given to them, so He inspired Moses to write Deuteronomy as an exhortation to continue in obedience to what God established. And rightly so, for all of mankind is conceived not fearing, loving, or trusting in God above all things.
 
The text reminds us of Luther’s Small Catechism explanation to the Conclusion of the Commandments: “God threatens to punish all those who transgress these commandments. We should, therefore, dread His displeasure and not act contrarily to these commandments. But He promises grace and every blessing to all who keep them. We should, therefore, love and trust in Him, and cheerfully do what He has commanded us.”
 
Do you really think that you have not transgressed against God’s statutes? By the grace of God, be repenting and believing! God brings your New Man to desire to not transgress, but man’s flesh will always need God’s Law put before him as a mirror!
 
It is only through faith in Christ Jesus, the One who perfectly kept the Law for us, that we sinners have access to the Father and can call upon Him, for whatever reason, in our time of need. That is how God brings you to hold fast to the Lord your God. And through faith in Christ, you are truly alive today, as well.
 
Prayer: O Lord, we beseech Thee, let Thy continual pity cleanse and defend Thy Church; and because it cannot continue in safety without Thy succor, preserve it evermore by Thy help and goodness; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end.
 
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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