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In Deuteronomy 28, Moses reads a list of the amazing blessings God wants to pour out upon His people. He also warns them about consequences that will result if they break and disobey God’s commands. So, given that “God is love,” 1 Jn 4.8; given that Jesus said, “If you love me you will keep my commandments,” Jn 14.15; we can establish that our RELATIONSHIP with God is built solely upon a foundation of LOVE. With such a foundation, obeying God’s Word is not an enslaving act or even a duty, but joy and a delight expressed as we choose to live according to His plan!
Jesus was clear when He said for us “to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind. This is the great and first commandment. The second is like it, ‘…love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments the whole Law and Prophets depend.” Mt 22.36-40. LOVE—a priority—no buts or what-ifs—LOVE.
Odd how we humans generally obey the laws of the land, yet here is God, our Creator, a great God beyond description…and so many of us do not even bother to find out what His laws are or study to understand why they exist. We so easily forget the blessings of Deuteronomy 28 apply directly to us when we live according to His Word. What might change in your life if you actually lived out Matthew 22.36-40???
Too often we have a tendency to assume God begins every sentence with “Don’t!” But look at His desire for you and me in Deut 28. He prefaces His list of incredible blessings with this: “ALL these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you will obey (listen to) the Lord your God.” v.2. ALL! There is nothing greater than ALL of something! And that is what He has for us! Not blessings we have to go out and look for, but blessings that will overtake us! Read Deut 28.1-14 for that list of blessings. Take each verse and translate it into your life. You may not have “herds and flocks” to be increased, but you probably have or need a job, or are in the midst of school courses, parenting or doing volunteer work. Take verses 1-14 as a template and plug each blessing into your life! The rest of the chapter is filled with the consequences of sin, of not pursuing God, NOT “loving Him with all your heart, soul and mind.”
Like most things, our RELATIONSHIP with God is a growing experience, and as we grow, “blessings will come upon us and yes…they will overtake us!” because that is what God Himself said would happen! A RELATIONSHIP based on LOVE! Simple, yet seldom easy; but it is the foundation of our lives as believers. Is the foundation in your RELATIONSHIP with the Lord LOVE? Or have you slipped sideways in the stress of life relating out of duty or obligation, losing the sparkle of joy and peace He has for you?
PRAYER: Father, You are unbelievable! Yet, ALL of the astounding things I read about You in the Word are true. Forgive me for slipping off my foundation of LOVE…help me recognize when I begin to step off and resort to dutifully fulfilling some list of rules I think will make You happy. All I really want to do is to LOVE You and please You in everything I do…give You reason to smile. I do love You so, and I am counting on Your faithfulness and Your precious and powerful Love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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