Deuteronomy 5 -- Worth It!

Moses wanted the people to realize that they’d been part of a momentous event.  Nothing like this had ever happened before:

“The Lord our God made an Agreement with us at Mount Sinai.  He did not make this Agreement with our ancestors, but He made it with us … The Lord spoke to you face to face …”  They needed to know how incredibly special that was and not take it for granted.

In warning them about idol worship, He said, “If people sin against Me and hate Me, I will punish their children, even their grandchildren and great-grandchildren …”  He’s telling them to think about what their sin will do, not just to their relationship with Him, but with the relationship with Him that their kids and grandkids and great grandkids will have as well!  Too often, when we’re considering sin, we’re only thinking about ourselves.  God continues:  “… But I will be very kind for a THOUSAND LIFETIMES to those who love Me and obey My commands.”

This had more meaning to them than we realize.  You see, they weren’t that far removed from Adam and Eve.  There hadn’t been probably 100 lifetimes, if that many, since the earth was formed.  They could trace their family trees back to Adam.  So they understood God to mean that by obeying Him, He’d be blessing their families for all time!  That sure gave them reason to try to obey!

God looked at them (and us) and knew their propensity to sin.  He said, “I wish their hearts would always respect Me and that they would always obey My commands so that things would go well for them and their children forever.”  He loves us and wants that for us, even when WE don’t want that for ourselves!

Father, I’m sorry for times when I doubt Your great love for me, when circumstances cause me to take my eyes off the One who loves me that much!  Keep reminding me of the benefits of obedience.  I still seem to need a carrot on a stick in front of me.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford