Deuteronomy 23:12 – 34:12
Overview
As we finish reading the Pentateuch (first 5 books of the Hebrew Bible) we learn more about vows, divorce, first fruits, blessings & curses as well as other miscellaneous rules & regulations. God commands Moses to speak the covenant at Moab. God gives a restoration promised after a blessing and curse are given to the people. God reveals to Moses that Israel will fall away in disobedience when they go into the promise land. Later, Joshua is commissioned as the new leader for the Israelites. Last, Moses gives a final blessing and then climbs the mountain, dies and then God buries him.
Scripture – Deuteronomy30:19 – 20
19“I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants, 20by loving the LORD your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him;
Observation
The Israelites have been in the wilderness for 40 years. God has moved them around and and given them many instructions. Each time instructions are given, it is an opportunity for His people to make a choice and either obey or disobey. Now, God has made a very clear command. Obey me and you will be blessed. Disobey me and you will be cursed. God then says, “.. choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants, 20by loving the LORD your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him;”. All the Israelite people have to do is obey.
Application
Adam and Eve were given a choice. God said “Do Not eat the fruit of the tree of good and evil. The Israelites are given a choice and they too will choose to disobey. God also give us a choice to choose life. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the father except through me. God wants us to choose Jesus Christ so we may live and have eternal life through Him. We are to love Him, obey Him and hold fast to Him and he will save us.
Prayer
Lord your perfect plan of redemption for our sinful nature is beautiful. Thank you that we can choose to love you and live. Give us the desire to obey and hold fast to you so that we may be obedient and honoring to you. Thank you for your Son Jesus and the love that was displayed to us on the Cross.
