When he speaks, you listen.

Deut 18:15 The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you shall heed such a prophet. 16 This is what you requested of the LORD your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly when you said: "If I hear the voice of the LORD my God any more, or ever again see this great fire, I will die." 17 Then the LORD replied to me: "They are right in what they have said. 18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their own people; I will put my words in the mouth of the prophet, who shall speak to them everything that I command.

What is the vital link that sustains you in a world that may be indifferent to your needs and possibly hostile? A god is what assures you it is all right to make a move or risk making a mistake. Someone who will keep you from falling or being abandoned or left alone. Luther said, “A god is the one you turn to in every time of need.” Moses had an ongoing dialogue with God. He was personal, “The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” He was appeased by obedience to his will. Those who ignored or defied his commands were destroyed. The whole nation could have been abandoned in the wilderness for worshipping a golden calf.

The advantage of Israel was that they could hear the Word of God. They trusted Moses to speak that word accurately. They were confident that he neither lied nor deceived them. Since obedience to that word was crucial to their survival , to hear from Moses was to hear from God.

So when Moses was dead what would happen to Israel? Joshua received special training from Moses but would he have the same “Pipeline to heaven?” God reassures his people with the promise of the prophet who is “like Moses.” After Joshua there were judges who ruled and made decisions. Then there were the kings, especially David and Solomon who were considered the “sons of God.” They turned to the Prophets to find out what God wanted them to do.

But there was only one who truly fulfilled the promise of teaching the will of God without interpretation. That is our Lord Jesus Christ who still makes us right with God. Listen carefully and you will find the path that leads to life. Amen. 

Prayer for Bible teachers and preachers and all those who teach the Word of the Lord.