Now Choose Life
“11 Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. 12 It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, “Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?” 13 Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, “Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?” 14 No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.
15 See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. 16 For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.
17 But if your heart turns away and you are not obedient, and if you are drawn away to bow down to other gods and worship them, 18 I declare to you this day that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess.
19 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 20 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 30:11-20 is a section of Moses' final sermon to the Israelites before his death. The book of Deuteronomy reflects on the journey from the exodus to the brink of entering the Promised Land, offering guidance on how the people should live as God's chosen nation in that land. This passage is not merely a historical account but an urgent call for faith and obedience.
Moses reminds the Israelites of God’s guidance and faithfulness, recounting their deliverance from Egypt, the crossing of the Red Sea, the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, and God’s provision and protection in the wilderness. These acts are undeniable evidence of God's grace and power.
Now, Moses challenges the people to make a choice. He sets before them a decision between blessing and curse, life and death, urging them to choose life. This choice goes beyond mere legalistic obedience; it is a call to respond to God’s grace and love with unwavering faith and heartfelt devotion.
Salvation, while freely given, comes through the costly sacrifice of Christ. It demands a response—a commitment to trust and follow God. Faith is not about seeking blessings alone; it is about dedicating our lives to the One who gave everything for us. Even when temptations and distractions arise, we are called to walk in God’s truth and choose the path of life.
Prayer: Lord, we confess that You are our life and the source of every blessing. Thank You for Your faithfulness and grace that guide and sustain us. This morning, we offer You our hearts and lives once more. We lay down our distracted and wandering ways before You. Redirect us toward the path that pleases You. In the journey of today and the week ahead, may we witness Your glory, stand firm in our faith, and walk confidently as Your children. Strengthen our steps and make our decisions align with Your will, O Lord. Amen.
(Note: This summary was created based on an AI draft.)
Devotional content is available on the Our Daily Bread website.