Welcome to the camping days in the book of Deuteronomy. Moses told this second generation of the children of Israel to think big of God. They would soon be going into the promised land, and they were going to need to trust and obey Him! He was reminding them that He is their God and He is not only awesome, but He is doing awesome things (Deuteronomy 10:17, 21). God reveals at least five things to these dear folks. We’ll look at one each day. We come to number three today.
Camping Day # 1 – He is the God Who goes before you (Deuteronomy 9:1-3).
Camping Day # 2 – He is the God Who is among you (Deuteronomy 7:17-21).
Camping Day # 3 – He is the God Who is unwilling to share Himself or you! “Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve Him, and shalt swear by His name” (make your promises as one who belongs to the Lord and abide by them in daily living). “You shall not go after other gods, or the gods of the people which are round about you; For the LORD thy God is a jealous God among you…” (Deuteronomy 6:13-15).
How misunderstood this wonderful announcement is. When we think of jealousy, we think of sinful greed and envy. Someone else has something that I don’t have but that I want to have. They have it. I don’t. I am envious and think sinful thoughts because of what they have and I don’t. That’s our concept of jealousy.
How vastly different for our infinitely holy, sovereign God. He has no rival. He protects that which is His own. He protects His glory (this is His perfections). He protects His sovereignty (this is His position). He protects us (His people). He will not share His perfection, position, and His people.
For today: If you know Christ as your own Savior, you are cherished, and His awesome love is beyond description today.