June 19, 2023 – GOD’S WORD

READ: Deut. 18:15-22

… a Prophet like me from your midst, from your brethren. Him you shall hear, … I will … put My words in His mouth …

Moses impressed God’s Word upon the people and explained the law to them. Only with that Word can they please God and live in His covenant. That is where God comes to them and shows them who He is for His people. Only in this way can they continue in hope for the future. For this, they will need to know that Word and submit to it.

Moses’ entire sermon is focused on this. In it, he shows himself to be a prophet of God: he proclaims His Word. Not only for the future, but also for the present. Moses is a very privileged person: God spoke to him face to face. But what will happen now when Moses is no longer there and they take possession of the land of Canaan? who will explain and impress upon them God’s Word?

People may arise who have consulted fortune-tellers about the future (vs. 9-14) or who are false prophets (vs. 19-22). But both are detestable to God. No, Israel needs a true prophet of God who will lead them in the ways of God. Moses can reassure them: God Himself will provide. He Himself says: I will raise up a Prophet from among you and: I will put My words in His mouth.

This applies first to all true prophets who have made known God’s will on His behalf. Finally, this is true for the Highest Prophet and Teacher, Jesus Christ, to whom all those previous prophets referred as a type. Our Savior fulfills this promise completely and is also designated as such by His apostles (Acts 3, Acts 7). He spoke through all those Old Testament prophets after Moses. Let us therefore listen to Him with great expectation and attention (vs. 15; Matt. 17:5)! If we do not do this, we will have to answer to God for it (vs. 19). But we are blessed if we heed the words of prophecy (cf. Rev. 22:7).

What do you do with the sermon after the service?

Singing: Ps. 119:12