Deuteronomy 27 11.12.21
SCRIPTURE
Deuteronomy 27:9-10
Then Moses and the Levitical priests said to all Israel, “Be silent, Israel, and listen! You have now become the people of the Lord your God. Obey the Lord your God and follow his commands and decrees that I give you today.”
OBSERVATION – What does it say?
God is giving commands to the people of Israel so they know what to do once they enter the promised land and take possession of it. This verse reflects a strong recurring emphasis in this book (and the entire Bible for that matter) on the importance of obedience for the people of God.
UNDERSTANDING – What does it mean?
Belonging to God and obeying him are inseparable.
In our culture today many people who consider themselves Christians treat God’s commands as suggestions. We read the Bible or hear a sermon and we often fail to live out anything we heard. We know things that God commands and we justify disobedience… “I break the law every day when I go over the speed limit, but only because everyone else does.” “I know God calls me to forgive but if you knew what they did you would understand why I can’t.” The list goes on.
God does NOT ask things of us in the form of suggestions or options to consider. They’re commands. At least for anyone who considers them a Christian/disciple of Christ/Christ-follower/etc. (all words that we use interchangeably to refer to someone who has believed in Jesus and received the gift of salvation).
Matthew 16:24-25
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.
If we consider ourselves disciples of Jesus we must deny ourselves at any option that would require disobedience to him. Selective obedience isn’t an option. Jesus didn’t come to give you a makeover. He came to take over your life! If he’s not Lord of all, he’s not Lord at all in our lives. It sounds silly and obvious, but if you aren’t following what Jesus has commanded you, can you even call yourself a follower of Jesus?
LIFE APPLICATION
Where have I chosen my own way?
Where have I said, “God, I know your word says to ______, but…” and justified my disobedience?
God, please forgive me for the times I disobey you. Show me the areas of my life where I have justified disobedience and please empower me to do your will. I want to truly follow you, not just claim to. In Jesus’ name, amen.