Week of April 12, 2026
The Gospel according to Moses
Remembering the Story of God’s Grace Week 1
Deuteronomy 1-3
Moses tells the story of God’s gracious deliverance and provision for Israel in bringing them out of slavery in Egypt and now to the doorstep of the Promised Land. This was despite their frequent grumbling and outright disobedience. Today’s Christians are also called to remember the story of Scripture (and the history of the church), which tells of God's prevailing grace.
Monday | Deuteronomy 1:1-18
The Jewish name for this book of the Bible is not Deuteronomy (second law) but rather the opening phrase: “These are the words.” This is a better title because this book is God’s truth revealed through Moses's preaching, which includes not only law but also history and much pastoral encouragement. What kind of encouragement do today’s Christians need? What encouragement do you need? The geography described in the first verses places Israel on the east side of the Jordan River at the door to the Promised Land. How does Israel’s journey with its ups and downs compare to ours? Moses starts the story at Mount Horeb (aka Sinai), and God tells Israel that it’s time to head out with shared leadership. What does it mean to you to be on the road with God?
Tuesday | Deuteronomy 1:19-46
The story continues with Israel’s first venture toward the Promised Land. Moses tells them, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (1:21) Yet they were both. What led Israel to reject moving ahead into the Promised Land? What obstacles have in the past stopped you from pursuing a goal or attempting something new? What has (or could have) enabled you to overcome those obstacles, including your own fear of failure? God’s response was to delay Israel’s entry into the Promised Land until a new generation that trusted him could lead it. How did God develop that trust over the next 40 years? How has God helped you to trust in him?
Wednesday | Deuteronomy 2 (entire chapter)
This is one of those chapters in which geography plays a major role (so you may need to consult a Bible atlas). God tells Israel to leave the Edomites (descendants of Esau) and the Midianites alone. Why was this? To what degree do you believe that God gets involved with land, peoples, and nations? What might lead God to bring about the conquest and destruction of a nation? Could such a seeming “genocide” ever be viewed as just? Do an internet search for images of the Arnon Gorge … a beautiful and intimidating chasm. What would its crossing and subsequent victory over Sihon have meant to Israel? What “gorges” has God led you through or over on your life’s journey?
Thursday | Deuteronomy 3:1-20
Again, a Bible atlas would be helpful as we read of the settlement of Israel’s tribes in the lands of the defeated Amorite kings. Centuries before, God had promised Abraham, “In the fourth generation your descendants will come back here, for the sin of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure.” (Genesis 15:16, NIV84) This seems to indicate that at a certain point, God says, “Enough is enough,” and brings judgment. What examples of such judgment can be found in ancient and modern world history? What sins do you think might ultimately lead to God’s judgment on America? How did Moses instruction in vs.18-20 seek to keep Israel, though separate tribes, as a united people?
Friday | Deuteronomy 3:21-28
In what was Joshua to be confident as he led Israel into the Promised Land? Do you think God was being a little harsh in not letting Moses cross the Jordan with the rest of his people? What’s been your experience with God seemingly saying “No” to something you had dearly desired? How did that impact your faith?
