The NIV 365 Day Devotional

The Lord is God

God’s approach to establish a relationship with Israel at Sinai represents a significant moment in human history. Until Sinai, gods were considered territorially constrained and without obligation to peoples. However, God chose to deliver Israel from bondage in Egypt in such spectacular fashion in order to demonstrate his love for Israel so they might know God’s magnificence over and above the gods of other nations.

As highlighted in other texts, the book of Deuteronomy was written to help Israel understand and remember God’s power to deliver them, his sovereignty over heaven and earth (not a corner of land) and his love for them over other nations. Toward that end, Moses consistently reminded each generation of what God had done for their ancestors by calling them to remember the story of their deliverance.

John 1 narrates another monumental moment in human history, one that is worthy of being consistently remembered: the incarnation. When God took on human flesh and “made his dwelling” (literally, “tabernacled”; v. 14) among God’s people, they were provided greater access to God throughout Jesus’ public ministry. It is through Jesus that God has proven his power to deliver his people from the power of sin, shown us his absolute love and provided a way for all nations of the earth to have a relationship with the one, true God.

Jesus, thank you for making your dwelling among us people and enabling us to have a relationship with the one true God. Amen.

Taken from The NIV Jesus Bible.