Expounding the Meaning of Deuteronomy 10:8 (PART 3 of 3) [Print Document]
This is the third part of a short series on expounding the meaning of Deuteronomy 10:8. There is a lot of depth in this verse that Abba Father God put on my heart to read.
In part 1 of this series, we looked at how bearing the Ark of the Covenant means that we are bearing God’s holy Word (which is based on the Ten Commandments) in our heart. We do this by meditating on God’s Word and by delighting in it (Psalm 1:2). In part 2, we learned how one ministers to God. We discussed what ministering to God is, and what it isn't. And, we learned that it is about fellowship with Abba Father God (Galatians 4:6-7), and not just doing works.
In this part (part 3), we will discuss and expound on what it means to “... bless in his name, unto this day.”
Deuteronomy 10:8, says: “At that time the LORD separated the tribe of Levi, to bear the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to minister unto him, and to bless in his name, unto this day.”
How to Bless in God’s Name
God separated us from the world so that we may “...bless in his name, unto this day.” What does this mean, though? God showed me that blessing in His Name includes praising God, giving Him glory, and speaking blessings over people with the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Let’s look first at praising God. What does praising God look like? King David gave us an example of praising God and giving God the glory in Psalm 103.
“[1] Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
[2] Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: [3] Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; [4] Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; [5] Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.”
David is speaking of what Abba God had done for him (and also for us). He is thanking God for His mercy and goodness. When we go through a difficult time (and I need to be reminded of this), we need to look to the holy Scripture for inspiration. David praised God even when he was going through difficulty, but after he first gave his troubles to God.
Praising God Even in the Difficulties
We we go through difficulties, we find it hard to praise God for what He will do or for what He already has done for us. It is often hard to thank Him when times get tough. But, David wrote that we ought to cast our burdens on God because God cares for us and will sustain us. In the beginning of Psalm 55, David wrote:
[Psalm 55:4-5]
“[4] My heart is sore pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen upon me. [5] Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me.”
After describing how a former friend betrayed him, David writes:
[Psalm 55:22]
“Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.”
Casting our burdens on God is just talking to our loving Abba Father God about our problems and giving them into His caring hands. 1 Peter 5:6-7 says: “[6] Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: [7] Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”
Once we have done that, we are more free inside to give God praise for what He will do and for what He has already done for us. This honors and pleases Him. But, don’t let this become a legalistic system of performing for God’s love. Abba God loves us with everlasting love (Jeremiah 33:3). Now, since God loves us so much, we “... ought also to love one another.”
1 John 4:11-12
“[11] Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. [12] No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.”
Blessing Other People Honors God.
