I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore, choose life, hat both thou and thy seed may live (Deuteronomy 30:19, KJV).
Parents want the best for their children. They set boundaries because children are inexperienced with the ways of life and must be guarded from unknown dangers. Rules are established and enforced to protect young ones from unseen hurt, harm, and dangers. Godly parents strive to raise obedient children so that their grandchildren will inherit the blessings of a people who submit to the commands of the All-Wise God.
Moses, a father figure to the Israelites, explained their covenant agreement with God. Although they were on their way to the Promised Land, the condition to lasting possession was obedience. Those who loved God and were loyal would receive life and prosperity. Those who were disobedient and disloyal would receive despair and death.
There are blessings upon blessings, for generation after generation, to those who love God enough to obey. It is not His will that any should experience a hard life in the present or to spend eternity in hell. He will not make mankind love and obey Him, but He always shows the rewards for doing so. He gives us choices and explains the consequences. Then, in case we get confused, He gives us the right choice to make. “I set before you life and death. Choose life.”
Moses is no longer here, but the Bible contains the requirements for everyone and anyone to experience the unlimited blessings of our loving God. His ultimate desire, and blessing, is to bring us to an expected end – eternity with Him through Jesus Christ His Son. Choose Jesus.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for teaching us that there are consequences to our choices. Our actions could bring life or death to us and our generations. With your help, we will obey and teach our children to obey also. Amen.
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Reprinted with permission, this week’s blog is an excerpt from “Praise from the Pews: A 70 Day Devotional” (2017). If you were encouraged by this devotional, you will really be blessed by the other 89 devotionals offered in “Praise from the Pews.” It may be purchased on the home page of this web site and will be shipped to you speedily.