Deuteronomy 3-4
Know therefore today, and lay it to your heart, that the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other.
Deuteronomy 4:39
There are any number of things we can learn as we read through the Scriptures. We can be fascinated by ancient history and cultures. We can pick up on nuances of human character. We can gain insights on how to relate to one another. We can learn the difference between right and wrong. We can debate the finer points of dietary laws or animal sacrifice. But in all of it, we better not miss this one: the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other.
I said to Carol, “I’ve got to post today. The words just leapt off the page at me!” What words? (Moses speaking to the Israelites) See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the Lord my God commanded me… Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.” What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the LORD our God is near us…? (Deut. 4:5-7a) That is, if the Israelites observe and obey the decrees and laws as commanded by God, other (heathen?) nations will see their example and will very possibly want to follow that same God. It’s the same for us today, folks. ABP Beach has mentioned this so many times; our greatest witness is our Christian behavior – walk the walk and talk the talk!