The "If" of Obedience

Read

Deuteronomy 26:1-29:1

Think

Deuteronomy 28:1-2, 15 “If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all His commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God … However, if you do not obey the Lord your God and do not carefully follow all His commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come on you and overtake you…”Surely over the course of reading Deuteronomy, you’ve noticed a central theme: Obedience. It almost seems utterly redundant, right? How many times did Moses have repeat the same lesson? Evidently, a lot because God’s people had a tendency towards idolatry and disobedience — just like us. And at that point, more than ever, they needed this reminder because they were getting ready to enter a season of battles like they had never faced before.In chapter 28, we see a juxtaposition of blessings and curses with a big focus on the word “if.” “If you do this, you’ll be blessed. If you do that, you’ll be cursed.” God was making it abundantly clear that His people had been called according to purpose and promise; they were to be holy before a holy God. The same is true for us today as Christ-followers.As you consider your daily choices, whatever they are, whether it’s giving in to peer pressure, who to date, or how you’ll respond to your overbearing boss, remember the word “if.” Think about the consequences of your actions — good and bad. And, let today’s reading be a reminder that IF you obey, blessings will follow. It’s a far better alternative than the fallout IF you choose to disobey!

Act

Pray

Heavenly Father, Thank You for reminding me of the importance of choosing obedience. I know that if I obey You, blessings follow. Guide my decisions this day to reflect Your holiness in the world around me. Amen.