READ: Rom. 10:4-11
… But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it. – Deut. 30:11-15
Moses is nearing the end of his farewell speech. Soon, he will also die. He will not be allowed to enter the land. As a prophet, he has illuminated everything necessary to confidently walk in the fear of the Lord and in the name of the LORD. They have heard of the threat of the curse, but also the promises of redemption. But if he is no longer there, what can the people fall back on? What can they hold onto? How will they face the future as a people, from whom the Christ will also be born (Gen. 3:15)? How will they be taught, led, and comforted?
Moses says: that word that I have been able to bring you as the Word of God is not far away. It is close! They are the church of Christ (HC Lord’s Day 21), whom He gathers from the beginning of the world through His Word and Spirit. That Word was preached by Moses, and God has laid it in their hearts with penetrating words and events. That Word is the power of salvation for everyone who believes (Rom. 1:16).
So it is a matter of believing that Word, just as their father Abraham believed God at His word and it was counted as righteousness. Now Israel also needs to cross the Red Sea believing ion God’s Word (Hebr. 11:8-19,29). The Word is very near to you: in your mouth and in your heart. Even if they have to go into exile, that Word goes with them. As the voice of the LORD (v.2,8,10) that urges them to return to Him and trust in Him.
God’s Word is also very near to us for our comfort and encouragement that we may do it, believe it, accept it, ponder it, and live it out (Rom. 10:8). It is a matter of life or death (Deut. 30:15). Paul adds in Rom. 10:11: “whoever believes on Him (Christ) will not be put to shame.”
Do you experience daily that God’s Word is very near?
Singing: Ps. 56:4