The Last State Is Worse than the First

Rev. Stephen Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vinton, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Deuteronomy 28:45-68.

Moses continues to speak of the curses that the LORD will bring upon Israel if they break the covenant. This will not happen by historical coincidence; the LORD will cause His people to serve their enemies because they did not serve Him. The LORD will make use a foreign nation to send His people into exile, which happens especially with Assyria and Babylon. The description of the people’s suffering during the siege is absolutely horrific; such is the way of sin. As the curse grows worse and worse, the LORD reminds us of the need for repentance, lest in unrepentant sin we separate ourselves from Him and His blessing.

“The Law of God is Good and Wise” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Deuteronomy. Though Moses’ lengthy sermons in Deuteronomy may be tempting to skip, this influential book is essential reading for Christians. As Moses strengthened Israel on the plains of Moab before the people entered the Promised Land, so the book of Deuteronomy still strengthens the Church as we prepare to enter the Resurrection with Christ, the Prophet greater than Moses.