Day 58

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Our Everlasting Covenant!

Scripture

February 27—Deuteronomy 27-30: Commitment to the Covenant

Observation

In his final sermon before his death, Moses solemnly tells the people about the blessings (and curses) that will accompany their obedience to (or rebellion against) God's covenant. Obedience will bring prosperity, provision, and protection from God; disobedience will lead only to disaster. The nation may choose for itself which path it will take, but the consequences of the decision are predetermined. Moses wisely counsels the people to "choose life" (30:19).

Application

Have you ever been in the awkward position of having to discipline someone else's child? It usually doesn't work very well because that child is not yours. There is no parent-child relationship to give your demands for obedience the ring of authority. Discipline works best when relationship precedes requirements.

God's requirements for Israel are well summarized in the phrase. "You must begin to obey all of these commandments I have given you" (27:10). On what basis could God require their obedience? Verse 9 supplies the answer: "Today you have become the people of the Lord your God." They were his people! He had called their ancestor Abraham centuries before, preserved them in Egypt, and redeemed them from slavery by the blood of the Passover lamb. Because Israel belonged to God, therefore Israel was to obey God.

Let's refresh our walk with God by recalling why He deserves and expects our obedience. He has saved us by his grace (Ephesians 2:8-9),  and we are taught to call him "Father" (Luke 11:2). 

Prayer

Father, Father we are taught to obey our father for he takes care of us. Thank you for saving us because we can not save ourselves. That's taking care of your children and for that we want to obey you and live according to your word--our covenant. In Jesus name we pray!

Father! Father!


© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2019

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