Moses stirs up Israel’s faith and obedience by reminding them of three events in their history. They also highlight biblical motivations for the Christian life today.

1) THE COVENANT

God’s favour is freely, graciously, and unwaveringly bestowed upon Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and their offspring. The goodness of God should lead Israel to faith and obedience. And it is God’s goodness to us in the gospel that motivates our obedience to Him too.

2) THE COLLAPSE

Israel collapsed in unbelief and rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea, and they were severely punished. Like Israel then, Christians today should also be warned of the danger of ongoing sin, for it may reveal hypocrisy (that one may be in church but not in Christ) and result in one’s damnation.

3) THE CONQUESTS

God did not give up on Israel but blessed their second generation with remarkable victories over the powerful kings east of the Jordan. And Moses recounted their conquests to show that Canaan would be no different.

Christians today battle sin not in our strength, but in God’s strength. The battle is the Lord’s. We can do our ABCDs to trust and obey!