Act According to the Word
Scripture Passage: Deuteronomy 29:22-29 (NASB)
22 “Now the future generation, your sons who rise up after you and the foreigner who comes from a distant land, when they see the plagues of that land and the diseases with which the Lord has afflicted it, will say, 23 ‘All its land is brimstone and salt, burned debris, unsown and unproductive, and no grass grows on it, like the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah and Zeboiim, which the Lord overthrew in His anger and in His wrath.’ 24 All the nations will say, ‘Why has the Lord done all this to this land? Why this great outburst of anger?’ 25 Then people will say, ‘It is because they abandoned the covenant of the Lord, the God of their fathers, which He made with them when He brought them out of the land of Egypt. 26 And they went and served other gods and worshiped them, gods that they have not known and whom He had not assigned to them. 27 Therefore, the anger of the Lord burned against that land, to bring upon it every curse which is written in this book; 28 and the Lord uprooted them from their land in anger, fury, and in great wrath, and hurled them into another land, as it is this day.’
29 “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, so that we may follow all the words of this Law.
SUMMARY
Moses gives a stern warning to the Israelites of fearful consequences in the path of disobedience. There will be such devastation afflicted on the land that the next generation and even the foreigners will see that it is God’s wrath being poured out on the land. All the surrounding nations will come to understand that God of Israel is real and what He declared will come true. It will be evident that the Israelites have been uprooted from their promised land because they broke their covenant with God. Moses reminds the Israelites of God’s words revealed to their nation and the covenant relationship.
MEDITATION & REFLECTION
This passage paints a grim picture of plagues and diseases, anger, wrath and curse which is to come in the future if the Israelites break the covenant with God. Sadly, this curse became a reality for the nation of Israel because they ended up falling into idol worship instead of keeping the commands of God. From today’s perspective, we might think, “those poor Israelites…why did they choose to worship the false idols of woods and stones?” “Why would they choose the man-made god after experiencing the powerful God who set them free from the bondage in Egypt, and received miraculous provision and protection in the dessert for 40 years?” However, as we look deeply into ourselves and the trend that’s happening in our nation, we look very similar to the Israelites. God has shown so much favor to this great nation as our founding fathers sought the help and counsel of God. But, over the years, we’ve drifted away from our commitment and the Biblical value this great nation was found upon.
At times, my heart feels heavy when I hear the daily news of division, uncertainties due to ongoing pandemic and social unrest. Then I think about the promise of God- the hope given to us through Christ. He took upon himself all the wrath and curse that was to fall upon sinful world. I’m truly thankful for the cross and the payment that our Savior has paid for us to renew that broken covenant relationship with the Holy God.
I’m reminded that God has revealed His Word to us so that we can know. Just as Moses said, “but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law” (Deut 29:29), we must seek to uphold and treasure God’s Word, not only for ourselves but for our children and family members. In this world where many things are constantly changing, we must put our trust in the Word of God that is unchanging and unshakable. In the Word of God, we will find renewed strength and hope for our future.
APPLICATION
I ask myself if I worship God above all else. Am I still chasing after the false idols of this world even though I’ve experienced the deliverance by the mighty hands of God? At times when I don’t understand why God allows certain things in my life, I will keep my trust in the faithfulness of God. I will speak to my heart to keep steady and keep believing in this One true God. I know that I may not be strong enough in the heat of the battle, but without a shadow of doubt-Christ in me will carry me through it.
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Phil 1:6)
PRAYER
Thank you Father for your loving kindness. We’re so grateful for the cross. We couldn’t do it on our own so you took upon yourself to accomplish the work for us. Thank you for the hope we have in Christ.
Thank you for not forsaking us or letting us die in our cursed state. When I feel down because our world seems so dark and lost, I will set my heart on your promises. Help me to cling onto your Word-for your Word is the truth and life. Almighty God, give us the hunger for your Word once again. Raise up a new generation and renew the heart of old for a revival. Pour out your Spirit that we may be filled with boldness, relentless love for You and the lost souls. Forgive our sins- on personal level and also that we have committed as a nation. Turn our hearts back to you. Pour out your mercy and grace. Let the Spirit of repentance sweep through our cities, nations and most importantly in the deepest part of our soul.
In Jesus Mighty Name I pray, Amen.
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