Deuteronomy 30:15-20
See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, death and adversity. If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I am commanding you today, by loving the Lord your God, walking in his ways, and observing his commandments, decrees, and ordinances, then you shall live and become numerous, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to possess. But if your heart turns away and you do not hear, but are led astray to bow down to other gods and serve them, I declare to you today that you shall perish; you shall not live long in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess. I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and holding fast to him; for that means life to you and length of days, so that you may live in the land that the Lord swore to give to your ancestors, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.
Reflection - The Fork in the Road
If-Then statements. If this is true then this will happen. If this and that are true then... If this or that are false then... If-Then statements can twist you around and upside down sometimes. But they always are logical and they always happen just like they are written... even when you are the one that is twisted and that's not what you really intended to happen.
God places before us a choice. Choose life or death. IF you obey the commandments, by loving the Lord your God, walking in his ways, AND observe his commandments, decrees, AND ordinances, THEN you shall live and become numerous, AND the Lord your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to possess.
So, we obey the commandments by loving God and walking in his ways. Right off the start we obey by loving God. It's about loving God... not anything or anyone else. It's about observing God's commandments, decrees and ordinances. First love God and look to the law. God gives the law out of love towards his people. God knows what is good for us to live in community with one another. God loves us, God loves you and God loves me. Love God and look to the law for guidance and help in how to act and live with God and with one another.
Don't get caught in the Cheap Grace trap where you just pitch out the law because you have forgiveness and Jesus. First love God and then look to the law. It's instruction to keep your life in order. It's love given to you and me by God. If you have done this then you have chosen life and will notice the blessings of God.
So many people don't recognize God's blessings. God blesses all people, good and bad, but when you love God and observe the commandments you will see the blessings. Instead of focusing on the negative aspects of life your eyes will be open to the blessings from God that are given to all people. This is a unique and wonderful change of perspective that results in living life to the fullest, not living life in the depths of despair. You see what God has done not what God hasn't done. The focus turns from loving yourself to loving God and those God gives to you. It's a game changer for sure all from the grace of God.
So, God gives us a choice. A choice between life and death... and God's desire is for us to choose life and love him to death. For in the death of the Father's son on this earth; sin, death and the devil were defeated AND everlasting life sprung forth from the grave in the flesh and spirit of Jesus for all people to have. Yes, this Old Testament passage is right...
"I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. "
Choose life!
Here is a song that reminds me of how God loves me and how I should treat another person at the "Fork in the Road" of decision.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBaGA3A8bps
Prayer
Lord, I'm going to make so many choices and decisions today. Lead me in those decisions that I may consider your love and your commandments and your way. Walk with me through each and every one of them. I do choose to love you and I do choose eternal life with you all because you chose to love me... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen
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