Deuteronomy 30:1-20
God certainly knows his people. Not that they hadn't demonstrated their bullheadedness enough previously that a blind man could see it, but God knew they would continue in those ways too. He knew that even though they had just renewed their commitment to doing his will and obeying his covenant word, they would soon stray and fall victim to the curses contained therein. We know this because he didn't say 'if' you experience the blessings and curses, he said 'when'.
But God always has a plan; it's completed, we have but to walk it out. So, he - in his infinite grace and wisdom - had already determined to draw them back to himself when they repented. I can't help but notice, too, that he had already predestined their repentance as well. Surely that was not due to God's belief in the goodness of his creation. He knew that just as much as he created them in perfection, they were forever plagued to wallow in the consequences of Original Sin. But I have to believe it was due to the strength of his love. Despite their (our) faults, God's love remains faithful and strong enough to overcome any sin.
In fact, his love is so great that he not only promised to restore Israel to their prosperous state, but he would also give them even more and make them greater than their ancestors were. Certainly, there is no greater love than that! All they would have to do to receive the blessing, as usual, is obey. You would think with such a great reward, obedience would be much easier to execute. But, I am a witness that even the best intentions don't go unfettered because of sin.
So, God put the choice in their hands (he's such a gentleman, not pushy). Having laid out the options plainly, he told the Israelites to choose: life or death, blessings or curses, prosperity or disaster. He made it simple, understandable, doable, very well within their reach. He wanted them to succeed and prosper, and he wants the same for us. As Moses encouraged them, all they had to do was choose life.
Lord, in every situation, let me choose life. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
God certainly knows his people. Not that they hadn't demonstrated their bullheadedness enough previously that a blind man could see it, but God knew they would continue in those ways too. He knew that even though they had just renewed their commitment to doing his will and obeying his covenant word, they would soon stray and fall victim to the curses contained therein. We know this because he didn't say 'if' you experience the blessings and curses, he said 'when'.
But God always has a plan; it's completed, we have but to walk it out. So, he - in his infinite grace and wisdom - had already determined to draw them back to himself when they repented. I can't help but notice, too, that he had already predestined their repentance as well. Surely that was not due to God's belief in the goodness of his creation. He knew that just as much as he created them in perfection, they were forever plagued to wallow in the consequences of Original Sin. But I have to believe it was due to the strength of his love. Despite their (our) faults, God's love remains faithful and strong enough to overcome any sin.
In fact, his love is so great that he not only promised to restore Israel to their prosperous state, but he would also give them even more and make them greater than their ancestors were. Certainly, there is no greater love than that! All they would have to do to receive the blessing, as usual, is obey. You would think with such a great reward, obedience would be much easier to execute. But, I am a witness that even the best intentions don't go unfettered because of sin.
So, God put the choice in their hands (he's such a gentleman, not pushy). Having laid out the options plainly, he told the Israelites to choose: life or death, blessings or curses, prosperity or disaster. He made it simple, understandable, doable, very well within their reach. He wanted them to succeed and prosper, and he wants the same for us. As Moses encouraged them, all they had to do was choose life.
Lord, in every situation, let me choose life. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
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