LINK: Deuteronomy 30
BACKGROUND
God wanted to bless Israel. Israel could choose life or death. Moses knew that they would choose death by not following the Lord, and they would eventually go into captivity. But God would restore them at a future time.
Key repeated words in this chapter are "heart" (30:2, 6, 10), "command/commandment" (30:2, 8, 10, 11, 16), "turn/return" (30:2, 3, 8, 10), and "life" (30:15, 19, 20). If Israel turned to the Lord with all their heart by keeping His commandments, then they would enjoy a blessed life from Him.
There would be a time in the future when Israel would repent and return to the land after the Babylonian Captivity. The temple would be rebuilt, but the true fulfillment of what is said in this chapter will come at the end of time with the righteous return of Jesus. Their hearts will be circumcised, and they will turn to the Lord. There are many disagreements regarding the future of Israel. Some say that the church is "spiritual Israel," but I do not see a covenant relationship with the church in this chapter. God is speaking to Israel alone here. I do not know how it will all play out in the end times, but the passage has a lesson for all of us.
REFLECTION
Jesus said, "I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly" (John 10:10). He gives us eternal life when we believe in Him, but He also gives us life on a day-by-day and moment-by-moment basis. I pray you choose life by choosing to abide in Him throughout the day.
PRAYER
Lord, draw us to You. Help us to choose life. We pray this in Jesus' name in which we abide. Amen.
1 comment:
I was just meditating on John 10:10 yesterday! It is life abundant to overflowing. I see this. Even from a philosophical point of view, walking with God is the "good life"!
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