Thursday, April 6

THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2017

"This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob." (Deuteronomy 30:19,20)


Today's reading continues Deuteronomy's recording of the love-covenant between God and His people, the Israelites. Clearly, abundant life and blessings would flow from their obedience to God's commands. These commands were not burdensome, but rather would emerge naturally from their love for their Father. If the Israelites would only establish God as their King and Guide, their nation would enjoy a bright and fulfilling future. Disobedience would draw them away from God and His blessings.

Moses explains that turning aside to other gods would be like drinking "bitter poison," suggesting that the wounds from so doing would be self-inflicted. Certainly, we may become enamored with other opportunities in this world, thinking that they may bring a greater degree of fulfillment than God's design and purpose. This phrase of "bitter poison" spoke deeply into my heart, as temptation does indeed call out to us each day. We must re-commit each morning to taking our half of the covenant, choosing to love God and love people, so that we may experience the fullness of God's joy for us. The world's substitutes are just cheap imitations, and we recognize their emptiness only later.

Please do reflect on the God's covenant here and consider how you may live more wholly for Him. Also, please be encouraged as we understand how our Lord Jesus Christ shed His precious blood so that we might become free to uphold the covenant and invite others to do the same. He has separated us from our sin as far as the east is from the west; Christ became sin on our behalf so that, in Him, we might become the righteousness of God. He has come to bring an abundant life, predicated on experiencing His fullness and presence.


Lord God, thank You for loving us first and calling us into a covenant relationship with You. Send Your Spirit into our hearts so that we might desire Your fullness and presence above the cheap imitations in the world. Give us freedom so that we may life completely for You. Strengthen our stamina, and help us to put tempting thoughts in their rightful place. We love You and honor You today. In Jesus's Name, amen.


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