Deuteronomy 28:9 The Lord will establish you as his holy people, as he promised you on oath, if you keep the commands of the Lord your God and walk in obedience to him.

This chapter should have been sufficient to keep the Israelites true to the Lord forever, but history shows that it wasn’t. This first section, that continues through verse 14, speaks of the solid, concrete, overflowing blessings that God was calling them to, if they would simply live according to the rules He was giving them. Then from verse 15 on it goes into incredible detail as to the calamities that would befall them if they discarded the Lord and ignored what He had told them. I’m reminded of something that is attributed to Albert Einstein: “Two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity. And I’m not so certain about the universe.” The Jewish nation had repeated times of revival, when the leadership would read passages like this and make reforms, but then the people would deviate from them again. It is clear that God plans good for us, but we stubbornly refuse to accept it! God’s calling is always for our ultimate benefit, even when the way is steep and/or rough – including even martyrdom. I keep coming back to 2 Corinthians 4:17. “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” The devil tries to convince us that following God isn’t worth it, that it’s too much trouble, but he’s a liar, always. (John 8:44) God’s calling takes different shapes for each person, but following it always brings the best rewards.

I have certainly experienced this. I couldn’t begin to enumerate all the blessings God has poured out on me when I have been sensitive and obedient to Him, and I have had some really painful experiences when I have failed to do so. As a pastor, I seek to help others recognize and walk in this truth as well. I have had some real heartaches in trying to do that! It is simple fact that no one can follow God for someone else. When parents follow God, blessings do accrue to their descendants, but those descendants still need to choose to follow God themselves. I desire God’s best for everyone, in all honesty and sincerity, but I can’t force anyone to make the commitment that will result in that. However, I can set an example, and I can pray and speak the truth in love, and God will hold me accountable for how well I do that.

Father, thank You for this reminder. May I indeed walk in full obedience on every level, so that Your will may be done both in and through me, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!