Painful Cost to Pay for Disobedience
Scripture Passage: Deuteronomy 28:25-35 (NASB)
25 “The Lord will cause you to be defeated by your enemies; you will go out one way against them, but you will flee seven ways from their presence, and you will be an example of terror to all the kingdoms of the earth. 26 Your dead bodies will serve as food for all birds of the sky and for the animals of the earth, and there will be no one to frighten them away.
27 “The Lord will strike you with the boils of Egypt and with tumors, the festering rash, and with scabies, from which you cannot be healed. 28 The Lord will strike you with insanity, blindness, and with confusion of mind; 29 and you will be groping about at noon, just as a person who is blind gropes in the darkness, and you will not be successful in your ways; but you will only be oppressed and robbed all the time, with no one to save you. 30 You will betroth a woman, but another man will violate her; you will build a house, but you will not live in it; you will plant a vineyard, but you will not make use of its fruit. 31 Your ox will be slaughtered before your eyes, but you will not eat of it; your donkey will be snatched away from you, and will not be restored to you; your sheep will be given to your enemies, and you will have no one to save you. 32 Your sons and your daughters will be given to another people, while your eyes look on and long for them constantly; but there will be nothing you can do. 33 A people whom you do not know will eat the produce of your ground and every product of your labor, and you will never be anything but oppressed and mistreated continually. 34 You will also be driven insane by the sight of what you see. 35 The Lord will strike you on the knees and thighs with severe boils from which you cannot be healed, and strike you from the sole of your foot to the top of your head.
SUMMARY
Moses continues and describes what happens when the people of Israel disobeys God. He says that they will be defeated before their enemies and lists a very descriptive consequence. It’s a complete opposite of the blessings described in the beginning of the chapter. Instead of the enemy fleeing, if they disobey God, they will flee in seven ways. They will suffer from illnesses and diseases continually and lose their finances, homes, and properties. They will be driven mad and no longer be able to depend on God to protect them from evil.
MEDITATION & REFLECTION
It was frightening to read and meditate on today’s passage. Unlike earlier in the chapter where Moses describes the blessings, it was uncomfortable reading the harsh descriptions of the consequences when we disobey. It reminded me of the time when I was angry at God. I wanted nothing to do with God and wanted to even leave the church. I thought I could live a less painful life without God. I remember sharing this with a sister and she asked me, do you think you can float in the water on your own? Do you know what happens when a fish separates from school of fish? It drowns and dies! Upon hearing this, I got scared! I could not bear the thought of drowning deeper into a dark place. I immediately clinged back on to God.
I mistakenly thought that I would just miss out on God’s blessing if I don’t obey. I didn’t think about the consequences that follow as graphically outlined in this passage. If I don’t obey God, “all these curses will come upon you and overtake you” (v15). I will be defeated before the enemies (v25) and suffer physically and mentally (v27-28). I realize I am where I am because of God’s grace and I would be in a worse situation if it wasn’t for His grace.
APPLICATION
As scary and uncomfortable it was reading and reflecting today, it was a timely reminder. I have been feeling anxious and I’m not exactly sure what season I’m going through but regardless how I feel or where I am, I need to remember to obey the Lord. Not just to receive His blessings but also to avoid the consequences. I will remember that His blessings are waiting to be poured upon me when I obey but His curse is also equally ready if I don’t.
PRAYER
Thank you Jesus for this fearful and powerful message. Whether my motivation is driven by rewards in heaven or by fear, I thank you for reminding me and reasoning me to obey you. Thank you for covering me in your grace. Please continue to help me to strive towards living in joy by obeying your commandments and remembering the misery I would be in without your Grace.
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