I’ve been on Mt. Nebo. It is located in the modern nation of Jordan. The Bible says that Moses could see all the promised land from there. I’ve stood on Mt. Nebo and I can confirm that this is true. The five books of Moses can be confirmed archaeologically and geographically. Here are some photos taken from Mt. Nebo…
One of many parables of Jesus describing the kingdom of God (or heaven). This parable teaches the “small to great” effect of the kingdom. That just a little leaven causes the whole bread to rise, perhaps points to the small gathering of disciples in an obscure country that will turn the world upside down with the gospel. God often chooses the little to affect the great, the weak to overturn the mighty, the foolish to confound the wise. The kingdom may be “hidden” for a time, but that doesn’t mean God isn’t at work making everything new.
A very practical proverb for those who desire achievement. It teaches us that the one who is “diligent” (Marked by persevering, painstaking effort; conscientiousness in accomplishing one’s duties; hardworking) will eventually be recognized and promoted to leadership positions. And the one who is “slothful” (Disinclined to work or exertion; lazy; slow and apathetic in behavior) will end up having to work menial jobs just to pay their debts. We make much of education these days, but not enough of hard work. ‘Work hard and don’t quit’ is a good word for those in secular as well as sacred work.
The gospel moves us from a religious response to a relational one. The question it asks is not ‘have you been a good person,’ but ‘have you acknowledged Jesus as the Christ?’ This acknowledgement is not only internal, but external, causing us to confess Christ as Lord and Savior before men. How we decide to treat Jesus on earth affects His response to us in eternity.
The Pharisees represented the highest attainment of human religion, yet their approach like all religious effort, affected only the exterior life, leaving the heart unchanged. Religion attempts to work from the outside-in, but the gospel works inside-out. The gospel is about relationship, not religion. It is about a relationship with Jesus as Savior and Lord. Have you had your life turned inside-out by Him?
Most have mouthed silent prayers, but how many have ever cried aloud to God? This is not about God’s hearing. Knowing our very thoughts, certainly He hears our whispered prayers as well as our shouted ones. But the prayers that are cried “aloud to God” show an increased intensity on the part of the supplicant to get God’s attention. The one who cries aloud to God no longer cares what others think. They only care that God hears and answers.
The foolish are know-it-alls. They pridefully think they know more that others and will not hear advice. They stumble and fall in the darkness, but will not admit error. But the wise are humble and listen to advice, seeking the wisdom of others before acting. The most profound implication of this truth is found in how one responds to God’s Word. Are you right in your own eyes like the fool? Or will you wisely listen to the Word’s correction, repenting and choosing to obey?
Spiritual warfare is real and Christ-followers have been given authority, but we are not to glory in this. We are to “rejoice” that we are saved and that our names are in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
Practically, if you want to plow a straight furrow, you have to keep your eyes forward. Plowing requires forward focus. Following Jesus is similar. If you want to be His follower, you must keep your eyes on Him. Clinging to your past, you will lose sight of where Jesus leads. Following Jesus requires total surrender to His leading.
As believers we are called to steward God’s creation. This includes the way we treat both God’s creation and His creatures. Those who have a biblical worldview have an appropriate regard and balanced respect for all that God has made. Ironically, even today’s Deuteronomy reading includes instruction on not destroying fruit trees when taking possession of the promised land. A biblical worldview also gives a wise order of priority to our stewardship, rightly placing humanity as the crown of creation and therefore deserving of our highest respect.