Suggested Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 11-13
Devotional Thought:
Title: “Obedience Leads to Blessing.”
“These are the statutes and judgments, which ye shall observe to do in the land, which the LORD God of thy fathers giveth thee to possess it, all the days that ye live upon the earth.” (12:1) God has a specific design in worship that He has laid out in His word and each of us is responsible to follow that design. “These are the statutes and judgments.” These words begin the main section of this book, which continues until chapter 26. The principles that had been set out by Moses, which we read in chapters 5 to 11, are now going to be expanded. It had been emphasized that the covenant made in Horeb would be effective in Canaan and the implications of this are now taught. Some of what is written is a restatement of what Israel already knew, but further detail is given in this chapter to cover new circumstances they would face in the promise land. Repeatedly Israel had been reminded that obedience to the Lord was the means of enjoying the covenant relationship, as it is today. What we find in these chapters is the more detailed teaching of what is necessary for the people of Israel to enjoy the promise land, for the Lord desired His people to enjoy all the blessings into which He would bring them. There is no greater joy and fulfillment than to walk in fellowship with the Lord in the center of His will. Israel was commanded to destroy all the idolatry in the land. Whenever God is removed from His rightful place in our heart and life, we replace Him with gods of our own. Often Christians are guilty of following after the gods of the world around them. It is sad that there is often very little difference between the way the unsaved live and the way us Christians live. We too often listen to the same music, wear the same clothes, go to the same places, and talk the same way. God makes it very clear in 1 Peter 2:9 that we are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, and a peculiar people. We are not our own for we have been bought with a price, and therefore, we must desire, above all things, to bring glory to God in our actions and attitudes. (1 Cor. 6:19-20) The Israelite had no excuse for not worshipping the Lord. He knew exactly what the Lord expected of him. What had to be brought to the Lord were now set before Israel. There was no excuse for failing to bring that, which was pleasing to Him because this was set out clearly in Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers. There ought to have been desires in the heart of every Israelite to give back to the Lord that which He desired, just as there ought to be the same desire in the heart of every saint today. We ought not have an “I have to” attitude, but rather an “I get to” attitude. There should be an excitement and enthusiasm in our worship and in the service we give back to the Lord. Has there been evidence of excitement in your attendance to church, giving of your tithe, teaching of your class, singing in the choir, serving of your family, or in having your devotions?
Personal Prayer Requests:
- Lord, please help me to be enthusiastic about the position I have in Christ and what that position demands.
- Lord, please help me to demonstrate my gratitude for my salvation through my obedience to your word.
- Lord, remind me of all that I have to be thankful for. Help me to remember to thank you for all things, knowing this is the will of God concerning me.