OUR GREAT AND AWESOME GOD

When reading the Bible, context is important. What is the bigger picture that this is part of? Where does this fit in the Bible’s larger story? Who is speaking? To whom are they speaking? In this case, Moses was giving his final exhortation to the people he had led for decades—from Egypt to Canaan. It was an important message for the people as they prepared to cross the Jordan River and for Moses to no longer be with them.

Moses assured them that they had no need to be afraid because their great and awesome God would still be with them. Again and again, Moses reminded them not only of their history but of how they had seen and experienced God in their own lives.

“Do not be afraid of them; remember well what the LORD your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt. You saw with your own eyes the great trials, the signs and wonders, the mighty hand and outstretched arm, with which the LORD your God brought you out” (Deuteronomy 7:18, 19). So, how might Moses address us if he had the opportunity? I am sure he would be eager to tell the stories of how he had seen God act. But he would also urge us to remember and retell the stories of how God has acted in each of our lives, in our families, and in the more recent history of our church. Then he would remind us that our God—the God both he and we have encountered—is still great and awesome and that He is with us still.

And with that great and awesome God among us, why would we be afraid of anyone or anything that might attack or challenge us?