Moses asked the Nation of Israel before they crossed the River Jordan to their promised land; “What does the Lord your God require of you? And, he proceeded to answer the question himself. “He requires only that you fear the Lord your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul.” And, then he adds, “You must always obey the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good.”
He further emphasizes their standing before the Lord. After all, they were special, they were chosen above all other nations. “Look, the highest heavens and the earth and everything in it all belong to the Lord your God.” How exceptional is that?
Moses was admonishing the people to “change their hearts” and to “stop being stubborn!” As I read this, the thought occurred to me that these folks saw the miracles and God in action to sustain them, to protect them, to guide them, to feed them, to quench their thirst; God was with them by day and by night. The cloud was with them 24/7. And, yet they rebelled and here right before their crossing the Jordan, Moses emphatically reminds them to love and to obey God.
Inherently, we aren’t any different. It’s the nature of humanity to want more, to do it “our way,” to complain and to distrust. And, when times are tough, we give up, rely on others to fix it for us!
We need to get back to basics and remember what Moses told them. “Fear the Lord your God, live in a way that pleases him, love him and serve him with all your heart and soul.” This alone separates us from those who will not.
The blessings of adhering to this call are abundant and we will journey through our life with joy! “God will send us the rains in their proper seasons–” that makes the wonderful difference in our life!
ritasalomon 