If you obey the commandments of the LORD, your God, which I am giving you today, loving the LORD, your God, and walking in his ways, and keeping his commandments, statutes and ordinances, you will live and grow numerous, and the LORD, your God, will bless you in the land you are entering to possess. Deuteronomy 30:16 NABRE
The book entitled Deuteronomy was translated by the Christian Church as the name of the fifth book of the Pentateuch (a name given to the first five books of the bible translated as a book of five rolls; Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.) Deuteronomy is translated as the second law, not precisely true but with some meaning in that it is a book with historical accounts, long discourses, exhortations and a second body of laws similar in content to those found in the book of Exodus and some in Leviticus. The quoted verse expresses God’s freedom for the people Israel. It is an appeal spelling out they are free to obey God and if they do there will be great reward. But if the people choose to worship other gods then they will perish. God gives all of us freedom to choose good or evil, but depending on whether we are faithful or unfaithful, we will be blessed or punished.
God is a God who gives his creation freedom of choice and He trusts us to choose appropriately. It is a great honor to be so free and decide what path our life will take. Of course the path of being faithful to God comes with blessings, and hope for life. But God does not force us to be good or faithful. We decide if we want to do good, follow God’s word, and love others. Jesus says in John 14:6, “I am the life.” Living as if we are in control, protecting ourselves and guaranteeing outcomes does not bring anyone peace, just worry. Follow God, have life.
Do you appreciate that you have a choice? Do you make choices every day?
God does not force us to be good or faithful. We decide if we want to do good, follow God’s word, and love others. Click To Tweet#bible #godisgreat #jesus#christianity #dailybibleverse@youversion #BeAnEncourager #faith#follow #Deuteronomy#everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist#jesussaves #godisgood#dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture#bibleverse #verseoftheday #pray#prayer #goodnews #loveeachother#godisgreat #bocaraton #youversion#everythingalways