Chapter 30 is a continuation of chapter 29. Moses begins, “Suppose all these things happen to you -- the blessings and the curses I have listed -- and you meditate on them as you are living among the nations to which the Lord your God has exiled you. If at that time you return to the Lord your God, and you and your children begin wholeheartedly to obey all the commands I have given you today, then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes. He will have mercy on you and gather you back from all the nations where he has scattered you. Though you are at the ends of the earth, the Lord your God will go and find you and bring you back again. He will return you to the land that belonged to your ancestors, and you will possess that land again. He will make you even more prosperous and numerous than your ancestors!” (Deuteronomy 30:1-5)
Wow...what a mighty and merciful God we serve!
Moses continues, “The Lord your God will cleanse your heart and the hearts of all your descendants so that you will love him with all your heart and soul, and so you may live!” (Yes, Lord...thank you!!!)
“The Lord your God will inflict all these curses on your enemies and persecutors. Then you will again obey the Lord and keep all the commands I am giving you today. The Lord your God will make you successful in everything you do….for the Lord will delight in being good to you as he was to your ancestors. The Lord your God will delight in you if you obey his voice and keep the command and laws written in this Book of the Law, and if you turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and soul.” (Deuteronomy 30:6-10)
Moses ends the chapter giving the people of Israel a choice between life and death. He tells them that he has commanded them to love the Lord and keep His commandments, and if they do, the Lord will bless them in the land they are about to occupy. He continues, “But if your heart turns away and you refuse to listen, and if you are drawn away to serve and worship other gods, then I warn you now that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live a long, good life in the land you are crossing the Jordan to occupy.” (Deuteronomy 30:17-18)
In a final declaration, Moses says, “Oh, that you would choose life, that you and your descendants might live! Choose to love the Lord your God and to obey him and commit yourself to him, for he is your life. Then you will live long in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” (Deuteronomy 30:19-20)
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Help us all see you! Help us choose a life with you and serve you, for you are our life. We are nothing without you! Lord, thank you! We love you!
“May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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