Day 79

Read: Deuteronomy 29:2 – 31:29

When I was in grade school, I had a principal that would always end the morning announcements saying “Make it a great day or not, the choice is yours.” This has stuck with me all my life ever since and as I read today’s passages that phrase came to mind again.

Moses calls the new generation to:

• Commit to God.
• Review and remember  His past faithfulness (i.e. provisions as He led them through the wilderness for 40 years).

Moses also outlines the future blessings of obedience vs. the curses of disobedience. God’s grace is active, but relationship with Him requires choosing obedience. Moses explicitly says they have the choice of “life and prosperity or death and destruction” (Deuteronomy 29:15; 19)

life & prosperity = blessing
death & destruction = curse

When Moses urges them to “choose life,” he is urging them to choose to love God, hold fast to Him, and pass this faith to future generations.

Deuteronomy 29:29
“The secret things,” refers to future events or motives of God that are not disclosed to mankind. “The things revealed,” refers to the law of God and His will according to the law, which are sufficient to lead the people into obedience. In other words, stop worrying about what you don’t know (secrets) and focus on obeying what you do know (the Word). Obedience is not just a set of rules, it is a pathway to blessings and the way to express love for God.

Then Moses tells Israel that the Lord has said that he is not to cross the Jordan. The Lord will go before them and Joshua will also. Then, God predicts Israel’s rebellion and instructs Moses to write a song to teach to the nation. When words are set to a melody, they settle deeply into the mind and are more easily recalled than just spoken words. This unforgettable song would testify to Israel’s unfaithfulness to a holy God. No matter what challenge or transition you face, you are not alone. God goes before you and He will not leave you nor forsake you.

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness, which covers me even when I am weak, like the shoes and clothing that didn’t wear out in the wilderness. Help me to stop obsessing over the unknown and to focus on obeying what You have clearly shown me in Your Word. I choose to make it a great day today. I choose life. Go before me in my challenges. Amen.