Jeshurun
There is a rare word used of Israel in Moses' blessing found in Deuteronomy 33. It's actually used 2 times. The word is "Jeshurun." It means "beloved." And this word is translated into the greek and applied to Jesus (Ephesians 1:6) and the Church (Col. 3:12; 1 Thes. 1:4; 2 Thes. 2:3; Jude 1).
The point God wants to instill in Israel before they enter the promised land? That He loves them. This will be their NAME. This will be their identity moving forward. How will they fight strong and mighty after Joshua? By understanding their primary identity is the love of God for them and therefore anyone's disapproval of them means very little.
Let's look at the passages in Moses' blessing first:
Deuteronomy 33:5 (ESV) Thus the LORD became king in Jeshurun, when the heads of the people were gathered, all the tribes of Israel together.
The point God wants to instill in Israel before they enter the promised land? That He loves them. This will be their NAME. This will be their identity moving forward. How will they fight strong and mighty after Joshua? By understanding their primary identity is the love of God for them and therefore anyone's disapproval of them means very little.
Let's look at the passages in Moses' blessing first:
Deuteronomy 33:5 (ESV) Thus the LORD became king in Jeshurun, when the heads of the people were gathered, all the tribes of Israel together.
Deuteronomy 33:26 (ESV) “There is none like God, O Jeshurun, who rides through the heavens to your help, through the skies in his majesty.
Isaiah will use the term in reference to Israel's election:
Isaiah 44:2 (ESV) Thus says the LORD who made you, who formed you from the womb and will help you: Fear not, O Jacob my servant, Jeshurun whom I have chosen.
The New Testament's use of "beloved" are as follows:
Colossians 3:12 (ESV) Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,
Colossians 3:12 (ESV) Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,
1 Thessalonians 1:4 (ESV) For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you,
2 Thessalonians 2:13 (ESV) But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.
Jude 1 (ESV) Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James, To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ:
It is clear the idea of knowing you are LOVED comes with the idea of understanding you've been chosen. God wants this to be in our minds just as much as the knowledge of His law and righteousness. Too many of us fail to know the love God has for us and instead work for His approval. I find this must be frustrating for God.
Imagine a child never convinced his/her parents loved them? I think this is how many of God's children act. They try so hard to earn the approval of the Lord who drew them to Himself and saved them. And I know... you "chose" to follow Jesus. I get it. But didn't He put a lot of things in your life to get you to that point? And if He did, do you think it was by mistake? Do you think you're just floating along on your own goodness? No! God who called you to Himself is able to keep you and bring you to completion.
I look at the blessing on Israel's tribes in this chapter, they are so good! This is what it looks like to be loved by the Lord. Beyond Reuben, Levi, Simeon and Gad. Look at what is said of the others.
Benjamin is the beloved of the Lord who dwells in safety (Verse 12).
Joseph is blessed with the choicest gifts of heaven (Verse 13).
Zebulun will rejoice as he goes to war (Verse 18).
Issachar will rejoice at home and enjoy the best of land and sea (Verse 19).
Dan is a lion's cub that leaps from Bashan (a very fertile mountain) (Verse 22).Naphtali is satisfied with the favor and full of the blessing of the Lord (Verse 23).
Asher will be the favorite of his brothers (Verse 24).
I think this is a great picture of a people LOVED by the Lord. Is it your life? Don't you think it should at least get closer every day you live in the love of your heavenly Father? I think so.
Moses did too.
Jude 1 (ESV) Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James, To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ:
It is clear the idea of knowing you are LOVED comes with the idea of understanding you've been chosen. God wants this to be in our minds just as much as the knowledge of His law and righteousness. Too many of us fail to know the love God has for us and instead work for His approval. I find this must be frustrating for God.
Imagine a child never convinced his/her parents loved them? I think this is how many of God's children act. They try so hard to earn the approval of the Lord who drew them to Himself and saved them. And I know... you "chose" to follow Jesus. I get it. But didn't He put a lot of things in your life to get you to that point? And if He did, do you think it was by mistake? Do you think you're just floating along on your own goodness? No! God who called you to Himself is able to keep you and bring you to completion.
I look at the blessing on Israel's tribes in this chapter, they are so good! This is what it looks like to be loved by the Lord. Beyond Reuben, Levi, Simeon and Gad. Look at what is said of the others.
Benjamin is the beloved of the Lord who dwells in safety (Verse 12).
Joseph is blessed with the choicest gifts of heaven (Verse 13).
Zebulun will rejoice as he goes to war (Verse 18).
Issachar will rejoice at home and enjoy the best of land and sea (Verse 19).
Dan is a lion's cub that leaps from Bashan (a very fertile mountain) (Verse 22).Naphtali is satisfied with the favor and full of the blessing of the Lord (Verse 23).
Asher will be the favorite of his brothers (Verse 24).
I think this is a great picture of a people LOVED by the Lord. Is it your life? Don't you think it should at least get closer every day you live in the love of your heavenly Father? I think so.
Moses did too.
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