Observation: As Moses is about to reteach all the ordinances, statutes, and precepts of the law, he also tells Israel why they have the law. It exists for our prosperity and preservation.
He will spend the next couple chapters re-enforcing this idea, which is that within the obedience to God's word lies the love, care, and blessing of God. The Lord will provide good harvests, abundant resources, natural resources, personal health, and peaceful living to those who obey and honor him. However, he will withdraw all these things from anyone who rejects his word, pursues other gods, and defiles God's own nature.
It cannot be stated any clearer than what Moses says. Obey the word of the Lord, and you will live a blessed life .. yes, it will still require work and sacrifice, but it will be better than any possible alternative. However, reject the word of the Lord, and you will proceed at your own peril, subject to every hardship the world can avail, from nature and from mankind.
Application: These words of Moses are specific to Israel in the promised land, to be certain. I mean, I don't have any Girgashites in need of being driven out of my city! However, the nature of God never changes, and thus his guidance for our lives is the same. We are to listen to him, love the Lord with all that we are, and obey his word. In doing these things, he will be with us.
I don't want to proceed in life independent of the Lord. I do wish I did a better job of obedience. The Lord has given me so much in my life, none of which I have earned. While I cannot earn it, I can obey and do a better job of walking with God, aligned to his statutes, commands, and instructions.
Prayer: Lord, I am listening. I carry items on my hand to remind me of your words. May I do better every day at true obedience, so I may live within the shadow of your wings, walking hand in hand with you along your chosen path, every day. Amen.
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