Slideshow image

Today we begin reading the book of Deuteronomy—the final book of the Torah (or Pentateuch), which makes up the Old Testament Jewish Law. Interestingly, Deuteronomy is a Greek word meaning “second law.” It refers to the fact that this book contains a retelling or repetition of much of what has already been given in the previous books.

Of course, the Jewish people didn’t call this book by a Greek name. In Hebrew, it’s called Devarim, which translates to “Words”—taken from the opening line of the book:

“These are the words that Moses spoke…” (Deuteronomy 1:1)

These final “words” of Moses are spoken during the last month of his life. He knows he won’t be entering the Promised Land, so he gives the people a powerful summary of their history, God’s promises, and the lessons he wants them to carry forward.

Right away, Moses reminds them that God has been faithful to His promise to Abraham:

“The Lord your God has multiplied you, and behold, you are today as numerous as the stars of heaven.” (Deuteronomy 1:10)

This directly echoes God’s promise in Genesis 15:5 and 22:17. Moses is essentially saying, “Look—God has fulfilled His Word. You can trust Him.”

Then he brings them back to that pivotal moment, 40 years earlier, when they stood at the edge of the Promised Land in Kadesh-barnea. This year as I read, something stood out in a new way. When the people asked to send spies into the land before entering, Moses responded:

“The thing seemed good to me…” (Deuteronomy 1:23)

What’s missing? … There’s no record that Moses consulted God.

The decision may have seemed wise, but it led to devastating consequences. The spies returned with a discouraging report, the people panicked, and their hearts melted in fear. They rebelled against the Lord, refusing to trust in His promise.

Moses tried to encourage them with words of assurance in verses 29–31:

“Do not be in dread or afraid of them. The Lord your God who goes before you will Himself fight for you…”

However, the damage had been done. Their disobedience led to 40 years of wandering and a missed opportunity to experience blessing.

Moses himself didn’t lose faith—but he did fail to seek God before acting. Perhaps that’s why, later in chapter 6, he says,

“You shall not put the Lord your God to the test…” (Deuteronomy 6:16)

This is an important lesson for godly leadership. Good leadership doesn’t simply follow popular opinion—it seeks the Lord. Sometimes, that means God will direct leaders to say “no” even when something seems like a good idea.

When the people of God fail to follow their leaders—especially when those leaders are walking closely with Him—it’s not just short-sighted… it’s rebellion.

And the results are sobering.

Deuteronomy 1:24–46 outlines the penalty for Israel’s rebellion. Their unwillingness to trust God and listen to Moses meant that the older generation missed out on the blessings of the Promised Land.

Takeaway: Churches today often face similar crossroads. When people choose not to listen to the leadership God has put in place—when they push for their own ideas without first submitting to the Lord’s direction—it leads to stagnation, confusion, and eventual decline. Many churches grieve their lack of growth, vitality, or spiritual health, but don’t realize that their resistance to God’s leading is at the root. Let's be a people who trust the Lord, follow godly leadership, and move forward in faith—so we don’t miss out on the blessings God has prepared. And if you find yourself resisting your church’s godly leadership, the only path to forward movement, clear purpose, and healthy growth is through surrender, repentance, and a heart committed to ongoing submission.