Day 74

Read: Deuteronomy 10:1 – 12:32

Today’s reading builds on yesterday’s post, “Foundation of Devotion” and is focused on heartfelt obedience and joyful compliance to God for our own good. True devotion isn’t a heavy burden, but a loving response to God’s grace.

Deuteronomy 10:8-9 explains that the tribe of Levi was set apart for the priesthood and not allotted land in Canaan and that they receive their sustenance from the offerings of the people because the Lord is their inheritance. In Deuteronomy 10:12-13, Moses asks, “What does the Lord your God require of you?” As he asks this, he also answers the question. It’s important we make sure to reflect on how simple it is. It’s not a complex set of rules and requirements… it’s a heart-centered approach to:

1. fear Him,
2. walk in His ways,
3. love Him,
4. serve Him with all your heart and soul, and
5. obey His commands and decrees.

Moses also reminds us in Deuteronomy 10:14-15 that our God owns EVERYTHING, yet He set His affection on their ancestors and loved them. God CHOSE these people and their descendants and made them His priority above all others.

Although we tend to view obedience as restrictive, God’s commandments are for our good and by “circumcising” our hearts (metaphorically, meaning to cut away any affections that would interrupt complete obedience to the Lord), we will be open and responsive to the commands of the Lord.

Circumcision of the heart would not be an outward sign but an inward attitude that would manifest itself outwardly in the actions of the people.

Chapter 11 is focused on the importance of loving and obeying God. Whether by grace or punishment, the Lord’s dealings with the nation were always designed to teach them about His holiness and prepare them for future events. As mentioned yesterday, teaching the precepts of the Lord to the children is vital to ensuring blessing and prosperity to each generation.

All of the religions of the world claim to worship God. In our society, any form of worship, when sincerely practiced, is commonly thought to be legitimate. However, the Bible teaches us that God Himself commands how He is to be worshiped. God called His people to forsake other religions. He commanded them from the beginning not to worship the Lord as other people worship their “gods” (Deuteronomy 12:4, 31). The Lord instructed that His people were to worship only in the place He chooses to make His name abide (Deuteronomy 12:5, 11, 14, 18, 26).

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for loving me first. Circumcise my heart today. Remove my stubbornness and stiff-necked ways. Help me to not just obey, but to love Your ways, knowing that Your commands are for my good. May my worship and service be wholehearted. Amen.