The Bible in 2020

Today’s reading

Deuteronomy 33-34; Luke 1:24-56

Selected Verses

There is none like God, O Jeshurun, who rides through the heavens to your help,
through the skies in his majesty. The eternal God is your dwelling place,
and underneath are the everlasting arms. And he thrust out the enemy before you
and said, “Destroy.” Deuteronomy 33:26-27

He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; Luke 1:51

Reflections

Both Moses and Mary express awe and reverence for the power and faithfulness of God.

Moses, in today’s reading, pronounces blessings on the tribes of Israel as he knows the time of his death is drawing near. Rather than express anger and disappointment that he has been denied entrance into the Promised Land, Moses takes the opportunity to give glory to God. His words of praise are both true and inspiring.

Moses could speak with the perspective of a man who for 120 years had seen the power of God in his life. God saved him at birth, protected him from prosecution for murder, watched over him during his exile, called him at a burning bush, gave him victory over the Egyptians, and guided him through the wilderness to the border of the Promised Land. Moses knew God. God had been faithful and God had been powerful on Moses’ behalf. What better way for Moses to say goodbye than to lift words of praise to God?

Mary, the young virgin engaged to Joseph, faced a completely unexpected life. Suddenly, the angel Gabriel broke into her world announcing what was to become of her. She would be the mother of the Son of God. Mary’s response is one of bewilderment which turns to submission and praise to God. She, like Moses, revels in thoughts of the powerful arm of God. God is able to do the impossible. God is going to do all His will. He turns the world right side up.

Think about it

How have you already seen God’s power and faithfulness in your life? How do you need to remember God’s power today? “Do not be afraid,” the angel said to Mary (Luke 1:30). He is the God whose arm is strong and everlasting. Trust Him today. Underneath you are the everlasting arms.

© 2017 John A Carroll Used by permission

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