Deuteronomy 29-31

March 4

Deuteronomy 29-31

God knows the heart of people. He knew Israel would rebel against Him. He knew they would turn from Him and worship the false gods that were worshiped by the other nations. But God continued to love his people. He continued to give them second, third, and forth chances. He told them they would rebel, but He also told them that; “when you and your children return to the Lord your God and obey him with all your heart and with all your soul according to everything I command you today, then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes and have compassion on you and gather you again from all the nations where he scattered you." (Deuteronomy 30:2-3, NIV)

The Israelites and people today are easily thrown off track. Our intentions are good, but we get our eyes off the Lord and begin to follow our own ways, we are on a slippery slope. Many today as with the Israelites say; “I will be safe, even though I persist in going my own way.” (Deuteronomy 29:19, NIV)  But God says this will bring disaster.

What God asks of us is not too difficult for us. He does not put obedience out of our reach. He even says he will circumcise our hearts, give us new hearts, hearts that are clean and pure and that will desire to walk in obedience. But we have to be willing. As long as we pursue other gods, as long as we depend on ourselves instead of trusting God completely, we will be in rebellion against God.

God is a God of grace, but He is also righteous. If we continue to rebel against Him we will face the consequences. Israel was routed by their enemies and removed from their land. They were scattered among the other nations and their land became desolate. God gave the Israelites a choice, just as He gives us a choice. "See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction." (Deuteronomy 30:15, NIV)  Our actions reveal our choice.