Today's readings from the One Year Chronological Reading Plan are Deuteronomy 10-12:32.
I`m really enjoying the book of Deuteronomy so far - other than Genesis, this is probably my favourite of the Pentateuch.
A few different passages stood out to me today.
Deut 10:12-13 And now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lords commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good
What a clear and straitforward answer! Fear God (respect Him), follow Him, love Him, serve Him, obey Him. Easier said than done sometimes, true, but sometimes I think we make it more complicated than it needs to be. It comes down to love. Because if we TRULY LOVE God - the fearing, following, serving and obeying should come fairly naturally - not that we don`t have to work at it, but we will want to work at it - so it doesn`t seem so much like work, but effort.
This passage and others repeats over and over again the same message that if the Israelites simply obey God, they will be blessed abundantly (receive the land, fruitful crops, victory over enemies), but if they choose to disobey they would forfeit that blessing. After being witness to some of the most amazing miracles, it seems incredible to us that they would have trouble being faithful.
And yet, we have two huge benefits now that they did not have then. We have the Word, we have access to God`s instructions and God`s very words at all times! And we have the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us.
The same choice the Israelites had (to obey and enjoy God`s blessing, or to disobey and fall under His curse) is our choice today. We can accept Jesus as our personal Saviour and live for Him, receiving eternal life and blessings unimaginable (if not here on earth, absolutely in heaven). Or we can choose to live for ourselves, travelling on a dead-end road.
Chapter 12 again discusses the Israelites completely wiping out their enemies and their evil practices. Again a reminder for us to wipe out the sin in our lives, to not treat it casually, or think that we are invicible to it`s allure, to deceive ourselves into thinking we are strong enough to not be tempted. God is not casual about sin, and we cannot afford to be either!
Another verse - Deut 12:18 Instead you are to eat them in the presence of the Lord your God at the place the Lord your God will choose - you, your sons and daughters, your menservants and maidservants, and the Levites from your towns - and you are to rejoice before the Lord your God in everything you put your hand to. (verse 12 is similar)
Though each person has to make an invidual, personal decision to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour, family worship is important. I personally think this is a major drawback to the mega churches that separate people by ages, especially if they are separate for the entire service. Absolutely there are benefits to making things age specific and targeted for learning at their own level - but to miss out on corporate worship entirely comes at a price. Our children need to see us worshiping the Lord - both in the privacy of our homes, and publicly at church. It gives extra meaning when it`s done as a family, together in unity. Watching each other confess our sins, repent, worship and pray is just so meaningful.
Tomorrow`s passage: Deuteronomy 13:1-16:17.
1 comment:
The same verses stood out for me. Good thoughts on the family worshipping together. At this point, my boys just tolerate the beginning portion of the service so that they can go downstairs before the sermon to have Sunday School, but it is important for them to see me participate in the singing etc even if at this point it means little to them.
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