Deuteronomy 30-31

So often you hear people questioning God when bad things happen. Some have walked away from God when they don’t feel God has treated them fairly. But I heard God say something to Moses today that got my attention.

God told Moses, “See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, and death and adversity.” (30:15)

Now, before I go any further, let me make something very clear. God was speaking to Moses about the land He had promised Israel. It was, and is, a place on the map. But I wholeheartedly believe if we limit God’s Word to the material, we miss so much of what God intended for us to know.

God had promised the Israelites that there was the potential for unimaginable blessings there across the Jordan. A land full of milk and honey, abundant crops, plenty of water, and peace. But there was also in that land, the potential for war and sickness and death.

These verses are God’s promise to His spiritual kingdom as well. And it’s an existence so much sweeter than mere milk and honey. He’s promised a walk during this lifetime of joy and peace and strength and blessing with Him living right in our hearts.

So when I read what God said to the Old Testament Jews about the land, I picture my own relationship with Him and know what He said to them, He’s saying to me. God has set before me life and prosperity – the riches of His glorious grace! He has also set before me death and adversity. And He says, “Choose Me, Connie. Love Me. Walk in My ways, keep My commandments so I can bless you today and eternally.”

Scripture tells me that if I choose obedience, I am blessed beyond what I can ask or think. If I choose disobedience, my relationship with Him will die. And I think a lot of the bad things that happen to us are a direct result of that dying relationship caused by disobedience.

Once again God is laying it all out there. On one hand you have life and love and blessing. On the other, death and separation from God. On one hand you have obedience. On the other, a life of sin.

The choice seems pretty clear to me, a no-brainer. What is your choice today?