Moses continues pleading with the children of Israel that they follow the Lord God with all of their hearts. He lays before them the choice of either a blessing or a curse. "See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse-the blessing if you obey the commands of the LORD your God that I am giving you today; the curse if you disobey the commands of the LORD your God and turn from the way that I command you today by following other gods, which you have not known." Deut. 11:26-28 NIV
It's not that God's requirements are so strict, just difficult to follow: fear God, love him, walk in his ways, and serve him with all your heart and soul. It sounds like that would be easy to do but God's people, and even Moses at times, have difficulty doing something that should be so simple. Moses knows the people's hearts, because he knows his own heart. He knows how he is prone to fits of anger, how he has run away from difficulties, how he has not always trusted God to do what he promised.
Moses can see the promises of God, rain in spring and autumn, abundant harvest, new wine and oil. Their territory will be expanded and no other nation will be able to conquer them. He also sees how easily this people can be lead astray, by false prophets or dreamers, or even by the ones they are closest to. So he pleads with them. Love the Lord your God, love him with all your heart and soul, and mind and strength. The message has not changed throughout history, and it still brings a blessing or a curse.
No comments:
Post a Comment