I feel really Old Testament-y on Monday, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
This past Thursday I rode my bike to downtown Wheaton. My bike hasn't been holding up well these days--only one brake works, the handles are crooked, and sometimes the seat swivels. But hey, it gets me from point A to point B. I ended up studying in a coffee shop for the afternoon, and it reminded me of Seattle. I miss Seattle.
Anyway, for OT I had to re-read Deuteronomy. I found myself loving it even more than the first time I read it. In Deuteronomy, the Israelites are in a time of transition. Moses is speaking to the generation that will finally enter the Promised Land, and is re-telling the laws to this new generation on how they are to live once they cross the Jordan River. In the first few chapters of Deut., or in Moses' "first speech" of three in this book, he reminds the Israelites where they have been. The history of the Israelites is steeped in rebellion, but also in God's faithfulness despite of it all.
Remember where you have been. Remember what the Lord your God has done for you. Over and over and over Moses tells the Israelites to not forget that God brought them out of slavery, and has always been faithful.
"Be careful that you do not forget the Lord, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery" Deut. 6:12
I should mention that I've really been processing my time in Seattle lately. Almost everyday, without fail, I have to explain to at least one person why I went to Seattle, and why I transferred. After answering this question over and over again, I started to realize there was more to my coming's and going's than I had thought. I guess I've related to the Israelite's especially in my own time of transition--remembering where I have been, my story, and seeing God's faithfulness in His promises.
So Moses then tells the Israelites that once they cross the Jordan they will defeat nations that are both stronger and larger than they are.
"You may say to yourselves, 'These nations are stronger than we are. How can we drive them out?' But do not be afraid of them; remember well what the Lord your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt...Do not be terrified by them, for the Lord your God, who is among you, is a great and awesome God." Deut. 7:18, 21
New places are scary. Whether those new places are Wheaton, IL or the Promised Land--there is likely a challenge around the corner that needs to be faced.
But what I love is this:
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you" Deut. 31:6
Remember your story. Remember where you have been, and remember God's faithfulness and goodness in those places.
