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Daily Devotions

It Is Written

It Is Written 
Day 
Day 16

"What great nation is there that has such statutes..."

Text: Deuteronomy 4:8

A GREAT NATION

Every nation aspires to become great. But what makes a nation truly great? Moses offers this profound insight.

“For what great nation is there that has God so near it,
as the LORD our God is to us,
for whatever reason we may call upon Him?
And what great nation is there that has
such statutes and righteous judgments as are
in all this law which I set before you this day?”
Deuteronomy 4:7-8

1. Addressing the issue of being “a great nation”

a) There is nothing wrong to desire to become “a great nation”.
b) Twice, Moses mentioned the idea of being “a great nation”.

2. Two things were highlighted

a) A nation will become great if God is near to its people.
i) God was near to the nation of Israel.
ii) The reason why God chose to be near to Israel is not fully disclosed or discussed.
iii) But the fact remains that God had chosen Israel to be His people (Exodus 6:7).
b) A nation will become great because of its laws and statutes.
i) The statutes are righteous ones.
ii) The judgments reflect its righteous character.

AN IMPORTANT OBSERVATION

A nation must be able to sustain true greatness. And the best way to do this is to ensure that the descendants continue on the same path!

“Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself,
lest you forget the things your eyes have seen,
and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life.
And teach them to your children and your grandchildren.”
Deuteronomy 4:9

1. “Take heed”

a) This is the responsibility of every individual citizen.
b) The danger of forgetting the past is all too real.

2. “Teach them to your children and your grandchildren”

a) The challenge is to pass on knowledge of God and His word to the next generation.
b) The generation of the grandchildren must not be neglected either.
c) Every generation must endeavour to preserve its illustrious heritage in order to maintain greatness.