the Third Week after Easter
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Daily Devotionals
Day by Day Devotional - Year 1 of 5
Deuteronomy 33:1-12
As he is about to leave the people, the man of God speaks from his heart. It is no longer the time for exhortations; he is leaving those he loves and his last message is a blessing (cf. Luke 24:50). Moses is the worthy representative of a God who "loves his people" and holds all His saints "in his hand" (v. 3) – an assurance fulfilled by the promise of the Lord Jesus: "No man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand"! (John 10:29).
Comparing this blessing by Moses with that of Jacob in Genesis 49, we find some differences which are full of instruction for us. According to his own father, Levi was a violent and cruel man. God made him "the man of his goodness" and placed him in charge of the sanctuary. As for Benjamin, he was called "a devouring wolf" (Genesis 49:27). Through grace he became "the beloved of the LORD" and this "wolf" will occupy the position of the sheep that was found, for it is said "he shall dwell between his shoulders" (v. 12; Luke 15:5). The Gospel produces such a complete transformation in the person who receives it. This was the experience of Saul of Tarsus who also belonged to this tribe of Benjamin and who, from being an ardent persecutor, became a faithful witness and servant of the Lord (1 Timothy 1:12-13).
