Living by God’s Promises

“When you have crossed the Jordan …set up some large stones and coat them with plaster. Write on them all the words of this law …When you have crossed the Jordan, set up these stones on Mount Ebal, as I command you today, and coat them with plaster.” Deuteronomy 27:2-4 NIV

Plaster is one of the oldest construction materials in the world. For example, it was used to build the pyramids of Egypt. (Amazingly, this plaster remains hard today.)

Because of their experience in Egypt, the children of Israel were very familiar with plaster. So, when God wanted to be sure that they understood Him clearly before they crossed the Jordan, He told them that He wanted them to “set up some large stones and coat them with plaster.” To add emphasis, God repeated this command twice.

He wanted them to make the entire action memorable. They were to set up special stones in a special place, and write specific words on them.

God knew that the process would combine to make this a memorable experience. This would make it easier to teach these words to others, and help preserve and draw attention to God’s Word. Plastering made these stones stand out as a memorial, for all who saw or heard about them.

This is a pattern that God repeats in our lives. His Word reminds us of how important it is that we know His promises. They are true, but how easily we can forget them. We need to know them, remember them, believe them, apply them, and put them into practice.

Today, determine to live according to God’s promises. Know His promises. Believe that they are true for you. Declare them in your life, and expect them to be fulfilled. God has given these promises for you. Receive them, and live according to them, so He can bless you.

Prayer: Father, help me to remember Your words and apply them in my life. I believe that Your promises are true for me. I expect them to be fulfilled. Thank You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.