PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Deuteronomy 31-32
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“They are not just idle words for you — they are your life.” (Deuteronomy 32:47)
I believe that these words are inspired to encourage and warn us.
They are written in ancient times, but their serious message remains.
The way of God, the Law of Love, is the way to blessing and life.
All other ways are disastrous for us, the way to misery and death.
Jesus speaks about the two ways as well, to encourage and warn us.
“For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)
What we read in these chapters in Deuteronomy is basically the same message.
Do not get distracted by the hyperbole – extreme language in Moses’s song.
Take the warning seriously; leaving God’s way of love will be disastrous.
The Jesus Way is not easy, it seems narrow, but it leads to life.
Jesus’s resurrection shows us where the way of love leads.
Will I pay attention, will I choose wisely, or will I learn the hard way?
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, your way is the way to life and blessing, even if it seems hard. I choose to take your words seriously, for your words are life to me!
“he guarded him as the apple of his eye,” God made a special covenant with the people of Israel – and God expected that special people to be a blessing – and God expected them to follow his commands. As Moses said, about these laws: “they are not just idle words for you—they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess.” Similarly, now – as a follower of Jesus – Jesus keeps me as an apple of his eye – he cares for me and he has given the gift of his HS to me. I too, in response am expected to seek the kingdom of God first. It is a covenant as well – his blessing is not mere idol words – but my life! Keep me Lord as the apple of your eye I pray!
Do this and live. That is what the Master said.
Obey my commands.
That brings life and life everlasting.
If you go your own way, that leads to death. God will hide His face from you.
I need to follow His way, His words this day. I need to fear the Lord my God, my Creator and follow His law. I need to keep His word in my heart and act upon that word.
I see the results of man going their own way even today, insisting that their way is the right way. Selfish desires and not the way of love. Love God. Love your neighbour as yourself. That is the right way.
1 Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
Your mind’s own wisdom you must reject.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will e’er your paths direct.
2 Don’t be conceited or think you are wise.
Reverence the Lord; turn away from all wrong.
This will bring health to your body and soul;
You’ll be built up and made fit and strong.
3 Honor the Lord with all your wealth,
And the firstfruits from all your fields.
Then all your barns will be filled and o’erflow;
Your vats will new wine always yield.
4 Do not despise the Lord’s discipline.
Resent it not; His rebuke never shun.
God only disciplines those He loves,
Just as a father treats his dear son.
5 Lord, I’m Your child; I will trust You alone.
I’ll look to You for Your wisdom each day.
I pledge the first part of all that I earn,
Your rod I’ll welcome whene’er I stray.