Building Your Life on the Written Word of God

Moses left Israel the written Word as a lasting guide, and today we too are called to live with the Bible as our foundation and standard.

“Moses wrote this law and gave it to the priests, the sons of Levi, who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and to all the elders of Israel” (Deuteronomy 31:9).

Raised in Pharaoh’s household in Egypt, Moses received the best possible education, which surely included training in all the current forms of communication. The Egyptians were masters of the written word. Thus, Moses was in an ideal position to learn these skills, which he could later apply in leading the Israelites.

His thoughts turned to this written communication as he approached the end of his life. In his last address as their leader, he told the Israelites that God would go with them, stressing to them the importance of obedience and faithfulness. They needed to “be strong and courageous” (v. 6). Moses also gave a charge to Joshua about leading God’s people.

Moses wrote everything down and provided copies of this written record. This didn’t mean God would stop speaking to His people, but it provided something tangible and permanent—a concrete standard by which to live, guidelines to govern their behavior, and a way to be sure they were in line with God’s commands. It was the history of His relationship with His people.

God still speaks to His people. But we also have the constant availability of His written Word as a guide, check, reminder, record, and foundation of our lives.

Make sure that you base your life on the Bible. Live according to God’s Word. It is written … for you!

Reflection Question: How is God’s written Word shaping your daily choices?