“Something Old, Something New” Deuteronomy 18:15-22

Introduction:  A matter of succession.  Who replaces a visionary like Steve Jobs?  Or a coach like Phil Jackson?  Who replaces Moses?

I.        Moses Prepares to Depart

A.     (v15) “The LORD will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you.”

1.      (v18) “I will raise up for them a prophet.”

2.      How this idea changed in the Jewish mind until we see anticipation in John 1:21.

3.      “I will put my words in his mouth.”

B.     (v16) “At Horeb the people asked” Moses to represent them before God.

1.      “Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD or see the great fire any more, lest I die.”

2.      Exodus 20:21, “The people stood far off, while Moses drew near to…where God was.”

3.      Why do people keep their distance from God?

C.     Warning against false prophets

1.      (v20) “But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in my name…shall die.”

2.      (v22) “When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the word does not come true…”

3.      We need safeguards against deception.  We need to assume responsibility for hearing God.

II.       Jesus Prepares to Depart [John 14]

A.     (v16) “I will ask the Father, and he will give another Helper [legal friend] to be with you forever.”

1.      (v17) “He dwells with you and will be in you.”

2.      (v18) “I will not leave you as orphans.”

B.     (v19) “Because I live you also will live.”

1.      Whereas in the Old Testament approaching God meant death, approaching Jesus means life.

2.      Afraid to approach God, he approached us, and we killed him.

C.     (v23) “Whoever loves me keeps my word, and my Father will love him…”

1.      “We will come and make our home with him.”

2.      (v26) “The Helper…will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all…”

Conclusion:   Who does your spiritual work?  Lawn service?  Accountant?  Nanny?  Parent?  Priest?

Acts 1:4-5, 8 and Pentecost’s infusing