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17. A Promise of God in Human Form


Deuteronomy 18:14-22
Key Verse:  “I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers; I will put my words in His mouth, and He will tell them everything I command Him.
Deuteronomy 18:18

As the people of Israel wandered in the desert for forty years, they learned more about how to serve God.  Unfortunately, the only way that they understood God was as an object of fear.  God was a pillar of fire.  God was an angry earthquake that swallowed up those who disobeyed.  God’s voice was like thunder and God was powerful enough to part the Red Sea and destroy an entire army with one blow.

They were afraid to draw near to this awesome power.  They were more than happy to let Moses do it for them.  They did not want an intimate relationship with this powerful being.  They could only hope to be good enough not to anger Him.

The Lord God understood their fear.  When the people cried out that they didn’t want to see any more of God’s power, the Lord sympathized and told Moses, “What they say is good.”  (Deut. 18:17) God assured Moses, and through Moses, the people, that it wouldn’t always be this way. 

A day will come when One will come whom they won’t fear.  He will speak the truth and they must listen.   This promised one would be a mediator between God and man that they could approach and not fear.  He would speak God’s truths so that they could understand.   The people of Israel wouldn’t have to use secret arts, such as divination and sorcery to try to discern what God was saying, because this mediator would speak clearly and lead them on a path of righteousness. 

It is interesting that Job’s heart desire was to meet God face to face.  The people of Israel feared God and were afraid to see his face.  God, our creator, understands both emotional responses and knows that Jesus can meet both as the perfect answer.

 Hymn:  “How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds”

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