Deuteronomy Chapter 32: Verses 44-47 (NLT Translation)
So, Moses came with Joshua son of Nun and recited all the words of this song to the people.When Moses had finished reciting all these words to the people of Israel, he added: “Take to heart all the words of warning I have given you today. Pass them on as a command to your children so they will obey every word of these instructions. These instructions are not empty words—they are your life! By obeying them you will enjoy a long life in the land you will occupy when you cross the Jordan River.”
God reminded Israel that His words to them were not just empty promises, they were the source of a full life for them. And that’s what struck me following on from what I read yesterday. God’s words are never empty. We can get frustrated sometimes by the fancy and eloquent words we sometimes hear from politicians, especially if we feel they don’t carry them through as they have promised.
We know we can trust God and what He says and yet, just like the Israelites we can find it hard to follow God’s instructions. The daily readings for the last two days how following God’s ways are far from restrictive, and doing so brings us life in all its fulness. And didn’t Jesus, who is the Word tell us that He is the way, the truth and the life, so why wouldn’t I want to follow Him?
Dear Lord,
Help me to keep my focus on doing what You ask, and following the ways that bring life, by following Jesus Himself. I ask in His Name. Amen.