Bible Commentaries

Deuteronomy 30:14

Our Lord was known by many titles—The Christ or Messiah, Jesus or Joshua the Saviour, the Lamb of God, the Vine, the Door, the Good Shepherd, the Son of Deuteronomy 30:14

Human religions have prided themselves upon their profundity and mystery. The Divine religion professes to be intelligible to all men and adapted to all. Rightly regarded, this characteristic of religion, set forth in the text, is an evidence of its divinity. A little mind makes a mystery even of a trifle; a great mind brings down a mystery to its simplest form; the Divine Mind makes the most glorious truths accessible to the plainest understanding.

I. The Plainness of Religion.—

(a) The fact that God's communication with men is by means of the Word is itself an element in its simplicity.

(b) The Word is intelligible to the human understanding. The language in which God speaks is human language, and His commandments are such as can scarcely be misunderstood.

(c) The Word is impressive to the human heart. The sentiments appealed to are common to all mankind, such as faith and gratitude and love.

(d) There are providential circumstances which render the blessings of the Gospel peculiarly accessible. The Scriptures are circulated in our own language, the Gospel is preached at our very doors, etc.

II. The Purpose for which Religion is made so very Plain and Accessible.—This is not simply that we may understand the Word. As the text expresses it, it is that "thou mayest do it".

(a) Obedience is thus rendered more easy.

(b) Disobedience is thus rendered more culpable and inexcusable.

Be it remembered that however plain the Word, this will not avail unless the heart be receptive, and in cordial sympathy with Divine truth and law, with Divine Gospel and promise.

References.—XXX:15-22.—A. K. H. Boyd, Graver Thoughts of a Country Parson (3Series), p177. XXX:19.—J. Vaughan, Sermons (15th Series), p157. F. D. Maurice, The Patriarchs and Lawgivers of the Old Testament, p289. H. Alford, Sermons, p1. XXX:19 , 20.—C. Kingsley, Good News of God, p80; Westminster Sermons, p271. XXXI:14.—F. E. Paget, Helps and Hindrances to the Christian Life, vol. i. p44. XXXI:23.—I. Williams, Characters of the Old Testament, p138.