We are reading the Bible through together this year, using the Discipleship Journal Reading Plan published by the Navigators. You can download it free of charge from: https://www.navigators.org/resource/bible-reading-plans/

Today’s 4 readings are: Matthew 26-17-35; Romans 10; Psalm 63, Deuteronomy 4-5.

The opening chapters of Deuteronomy – true to the title of the book (for Deuteronomy essentially means a second giving of the Law) – is a sort of recap by Moses of where the Israelites were at that moment in light of all that had happened to them and how God brought up to this point in time. They were poised to at last enter the Promised Land, and Moses takes pains to connect their present and the future to their past. It was God who chose them, God who delivered them, God who promised them their future, God who spoke to them at Sinai and gave them His great Law, and God who kept them through their wilderness wanderings. The chief implication being: God will be with them as they march into their future. Now all of that is surely a good place for all Believers even today isn’t it? We stand on the edge of eternity – about to enter the fullness of His promises when we cross Jordan either by reason of death, or translation at the return of Jesus. Either way, how wise and useful for us it is to recall that it is God who chose us unto salvation; God who delivered us from the penalty of sin; God who promised us eternal life with Himself; God who spoke to us and died for us at Calvary in Jesus; God who has kept us thus far in all our journeys and God who will bring us safely home. No matter what we face or experience in this present age. We need to remind ourselves of these realities often. But what I would point your attention to this morning is Deuteronomy 4:39 (ESV) — know therefore today, and lay it to your heart, that the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other. a. KNOW, get it deep down into your soul… b. Lay it to your heart so that it governs your outlook and emotions… c. That the Lord God is in Heaven – He is ruling and reigning over all from His high and lofty throne. That nothing is outside of His view and His hand… d. That this same Lord God is God on earth as well – He is not an absent landlord. He is our very present help in the time of need. He is right here with us. Right in the midst of our sorrows, grief, cares, concerns and trials. Right in the midst of Covid-19. He is Lord ON the earth, not just over the earth… e. And there is no other. Satan does not rule. Governments do not rule. We do not rule. Circumstances do not rule. Viruses do not rule. God rules. Alone. There is no other. Praise the living and true God.