|
Dear Heavenly Father, Praise I humble myself before you today, for you are a God of curses. Your kindness is balanced by your sternness, and your grace cannot be spurned without consequence (Rom 11:22). The author of Hebrews said, “Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified them, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?” (Heb 10:28–29 NIV). Today in Your Word Today you told me about the covenant renewal ceremony that was to take place in Canaan. Moses told the people to set up large stones on Mount Ebal and write on them all the words of the law. These stones would serve as a constant reminder of your covenant with Israel. This shows me how important it is to keep your word at the center of my life. You also told me about the covenantal blessings and curses. First, Moses described all the blessings you promised to give them if they kept your covenant and obeyed your commands. I can sense the longing you had for a people who would separate themselves from the world and walk in your ways. You wanted more than anything to be able to bless and prosper Israel. How tragic to think of what could have been if only they had followed you. Moses then described in graphic detail all the curses you promised to bring on them if they broke the covenant. You were especially angered by the thought of their ungratefulness: “Because you did not serve the Lord your God joyfully and gladly in the time of prosperity, therefore in hunger and thirst, in nakedness and dire poverty, you will serve the enemies the Lord sends against you” (Deut 28:47–48 NIV). This teaches me that you care about my attitude. I am called to serve you with joy and gladness! Reflection I can’t help but shake my head in bewilderment. How could Israel disobey after hearing those curses? But the truth is, if I’m playing around with sin, I’m no different than Israel. Request Father, remind me that your dealings with Israel were written down as a warning for me. If they were punished for sin, how shall I escape if I neglect so great a salvation? (Heb 2:1–4). Thanksgiving Thank you for showing me how serious sin is. I’m grateful for the soft voice of your Holy Spirit who checks me when I stray and prompts me to walk in your ways! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “The Day of His Grace Is Past” by Barney E. Warren. Meditation Verse: Deuteronomy 28:63. |