“Now choose life…”
God knew that we would fall away, give into temptation, & turn our backs on him. In his great love for us, he gave us a choice & knowing we would fail, he also extends his great mercy, love & forgiveness.
“And when you & your children return to the Lord your God & obey him with all your heart & with all your soul according to everything I command you today, then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes & have compassion on you & gather you again from all the nations where he has scattered you” Deuteronomy 30:2-3
Sometimes I think that if we were bound by the law like the Israelites it would be easier to know how to live. Everything would be plainly laid out as to what we were & were not allowed to do. I find that, especially when teaching my kids, I have to include the clause “even if others (Christians) are doing that, watching that, saying that… It doesn't make it honouring to God.” All the while, we still have to be careful not to judge because we may be convicted of something that someone else isn't.
I was encouraged by the following verses:
“Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, “Who will ascend into heaven to get it & proclaim it to us so we may obey it?” No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth & in your heart so you may obey it” Deuteronomy 30:11,12,14
God will direct us to him & place his desires on our hearts. Our part is to listen & follow even when others aren't. Like I tell my kids, we are only responsible for our own decisions in the end.
“The Lord himself goes before you & will be with you; he will never leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged” Deuteronomy 31:8
As we choose life, we can know that God is with us. He already knows that we will mess up, but he won't leave us. More than that, he goes before us. He will lead the way, he knows what we will face & will guide us. We just have to follow.
“Be strong & courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” Deuteronomy 31:6
4 comments:
"For this commandment that I command you today is not too hard for you, neither is it far off. - Deuteronomy 30:11
I was also encouraged by this verse. It is in everyone's grasp, we just have to choose to accept it and apply it to our lives.
It must have been difficult for Moses to have led the Israelites this far, but knowing that someone else would be finishing the job, because of his own disobedience. A reminder that sin has consequences, even after being forgiven. I wonder why couldn't God just let Moses lead them across the Jordan, then let Moses die? I guess it's a reminder that it's about God and giving Him glory, not about us and giving ourselves glory.
It seems like it should be so obvious.... Choose life or death, blessings or curses. Who in their right minds would choose death and curses?! Sin is deceptive and do easily blinding, especially when we take our focus off of Him. So thankful for His mercy and forgiveness!
This was a very encouraging passage, and also a very encouraging post. It can be hard when we live in a world where God and His followers are hated. Deuteronomy 31:6 has often come in handy for me. When the kids at school are being hateful towards us because we love and live for Christ, this verse always comes back to me. "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God will go before you. He will never leave you nor forsake you." Whenever I'm worried about tomorrow, I think of this verse and remind myself that God is already there.
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