Deuteronomy 30:19-20, “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the LORD your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the LORD, you will live long in the land the LORD swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”
Deuteronomy 30 was part of Moses’s final address to the Israelites, a final instruction before his death. Moses was 120 years old and was about to die and would call on Joshua to take over the leadership of Israel and guide the people to the Promised Land. Moses gave them God’s message: choose life or death; obey God, and you will therefore continue to receive His blessings. He told them that this command (verse 11) was not too difficult, not beyond their reach, and already in their hearts because God’s laws are written in the Bible and evident to all. God has told us everything we need to know; therefore, disobedience comes from an act of our own will, not a lack of knowledge.
God gives us the choice to obey Him and does not force His will on us. Whether to follow or reject Him, He lets us decide, and He wants everyone to choose life. Truly loving Him with all our heart, soul, and mind (Deut. 6:4-5; Matt. 22:37) is essential, fostering devotion and wholehearted commitment in our daily walk with Him. It requires a daily reaffirming commitment to obey God, and our heart’s desire must be to love Him with all our heart, soul, and mind (Deut. 6:4-5; Matt. 22:37) in all of our motives, desires, goals, and cravings.
The life that is found in a relationship with God gives one peace and joy, as is promised in Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Note how this verse connects joy and peace with trusting in God.
Jesus offers everyone a unique peace that is different from any other source, as John 14:27 promises, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Jesus encourages us not to fear, as fear magnifies the enemy and diminishes our perception of God. But the peace He gives, poured into our hearts, is filled by His grace and mercy. Yes, we all face challenges every day. But our emotions must be deeply rooted in our relationship with God, reflecting His character in our motives and interactions with others. Moses commanded the people in Deut. 30:11,14-16: “This command I am giving you today is not too difficult for you, and it is not beyond your reach. No, the message is very close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart so that you can obey it. “Now listen! Today I am giving you a choice between life and death, between prosperity and disaster. For I command you this day to love the LORD your God and to keep his commands, decrees, and regulations by walking in his ways.” God will come to us wherever we are. Come to Him. Obey Him, honor Him, commit yourself firmly to Him, then love Him with all your heart, soul, and mind, to continue to receive His blessings. However, God is not like Santa Claus. He is looking for ways to make us more Christ-like and wants to show us how to respond when we don’t get our own way. God’s Word brings us back to the Savior, back to the gospel. This is the key to your life.
Listen to Phil Wickham, Jamie MacDonald – Flowers
Thank you!
God bless you Yvette!