So, I was thinking. Deuteronomy? I mean the other books we've read thus far in the Bible had names that were pretty self-explanatory......but Deuteronomy? Turns out it means "second law", meaning that the law was given a second time! You know why it had to be given again? Because this group of Israelites was a completely different flock than the one we started with! Although, some of these people had seen miracles in the wilderness, it had been forty years since the crossing of the Red Sea, and these guys were mere teenagers, some were children, and many weren't even born yet. Moses, Joshua, and Caleb were the only ones left who were adults at that time. I think they KNEW how important it was to carefully re-tell the miracles and explain the laws to this new generation. A commentary of sorts.....of all that Israel had learned from God.
I can somewhat identify with God here, because I run into this problem when raising my own children. Do you sometimes have to repeat the rules and responsibilities in your home, too? Some days I think, "Haven't I already said this before?" or "Haven't we done this before?!?!?" But, I have to remind myself that sometimes my youngest child may not have heard this particular rule before. (Mind you, he doesn't get this free pass often.) If the truth be told, my children aren't the only ones who need a reminder. I'm guilty of forgetting my own responsibilities, most days! What about in the life of our country? There were rules created and adopted in this land for how the government should operate, and also listing our rights and responsibilities as citizens of the United States. We weren't even alive then! Certainly, these laws have to be taught again as new generations are raised......ummmm, and sometimes "re-defined", but we won't get into that today.
It seems to me that Dt. 11:26-28 pretty much sums it all up. "Behold, I set before you today a blessing and a curse: the blessing, if you obey the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you today; and the curse, if you do not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside from the way which I command you today, to go after other gods which you have not known."
After Moses reminds Israel to never tolerate gods of the nations around them, he goes into detail about the God they are to worship. He tells them of the grave consequences they will endure should they not keep their hearts pure in worship. I thought it was so interesting that God warns the people through Moses, to watch out for false prophets and even family members who try to lead you astray! Satan will use anyone and anything to lure you away from God. We must guard our hearts diligently.
It's a choice only you can make, blessing or curse. Choose daily to trust and obey, for there's no other way....
