There is no question that the God we serve is very specific about what he requires. Moses had a significant responsibility to tell the people what God required from them. In reading the scripture it is very evident that Moses repeatedly advised the people what not to do. He would tell them not to corrupt themselves with idolatry. He warned them that God saw this as evil and God’s anger would be aroused if they failed to obey. He told them, “the Lord your God is a devouring fire; He is a jealous God.”
I would think that thought alone would be very convincing that God does in fact mean business! Moses reiterated the severity of God’s wrath and also pointed out all that he had done for them and their ancestors.
He told them,”in the distant future, when you are suffering all these things, you will finally return to the Lord your God and listen to what he tells you. For the Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon you or destroy you or forget the solemn covenant he made with your ancestors.”
Moses continued in telling them not to forget and keep it firmly in mind: “The Lord is God both in heaven and on earth, and there is no other.”
Moses in essence was encouraging the people to a wholehearted commitment. This wholehearted commitment is one that we make when we choose to serve God. In my experience there are times when we have the tendency to forget and we lack in our initial commitment. And it is wholehearted no longer.
This is what we have to be careful about. Moses continued, “if you obey all the decrees and commands I am giving you today, all will be well with you and your children. I am giving you these instructions so you will enjoy a long life in the land the Lord your God is giving you for all time.”
The thought here is that our God is a faithful God and we must understand that he keeps his promises. He abundantly loves us with an unfailing love and for that we should be thankful. “We live by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” Deuteronomy 8:3
ritasalomon 