Quick Recap

In this weeks’ portion we begin the book of Deuteronomy. The first three chapters Moses bids his farewell and highlights Israel’s Journey from Mount Sinai to the Jordan River, we review the Lords commands, and Israel’s rebellion. Moses reminds this generation of their father’s faithless act of not entering the promise land and reminded them not to repeat their former sins by failing to trust God. And finally, Moses encourages Joshua and assures him that God would lead them to possess the land.

Key Verses

“Do not be terrified; do not be afraid of them. 30 The Lord your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes, 31 and in the wilderness. There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place.” Deuteronomy 1:29-31

Historical Context: Tisha b’Av

This portion is always read on the Shabbat before Tish b”Av , which is next week when Jews around the world mourn the destruction of the first and second temple. It is said that this is the very day that the Israelites refused to enter the promised land.

The Lesson: Fear Paralyzes Faith

Israel’s fear after listening to the spies’ report led them to doubt God’s gift for them. Their punishment was wondering in the desert for 40 years due to their lack of faith in that very moment. Tisha b’Av is considered the saddest day in Judaism and it coincides with this day when the Israelites rejected God’s gift by doubting he loved them enough to keep his promise to them. What a powerful reminder of how important our faith in God is. Fear paralyzes our faith. Perhaps that is why God says “Do not fear” repeatedly throughout the Bible.

Personal Reflection and Application

God set the entire land before them; all he required was for them to have faith enough to act on his promises. God wanted their trust and their participation, but they let fear distract them and their punishment was wandering for 40 years. 

Closing Encouragement

We must trust God enough in doing what he called us to do! He is faithful!!  He will see us through! I don’t know about you but there have been times in my life where I have looked back and mourned my own lack of faith. I have missed opportunities due caving to doubt and fear instead of trusting him to see me through. I let fear paralyze me in a moment GOD was growing me. When God calls us to something bigger than ourselves, we are not to lean on our own understanding but to trust in his promise and provisions. Remember what he has already done and the promises he has made.

Maybe it is no accident that the very day Jews have corporately mourned for thousands of years is the very day their ancestors lacked faith enough to take hold of the promise. Maybe it is just another reminder from God “Do not be afraid” You can trust me My promises never fail!Fear may make the promise feel impossible, but faith reminds us that God is faithful to carry us through.