“You must be careful to obey all the commands of the Lord your God, following his instructions in every detail. Stay on the path that the Lord your God has commanded you to follow. Then you will live long and prosperous lives in the land you are about to enter and occupy.”
Deuteronomy 5:32-33 (6:3, 8:1)
Before Moses reviewed the Ten Commandments, he first reminded the people of the unheard-of privilege they had experienced…GOD had spoken these commands to THEM face to face at the mountain. (5:4) Amazingly, THEY had heard God’s voice and seen His fire.
But, on that day, the people had requested that only Moses hear God from then on, because they were afraid to be face to face with God again. But their promise to Moses touched God’s heart, “If you tell us everything God tells you, we will listen and obey.” God then revealed what He desires for all of us, “Oh, that they would always have hearts like this, that they might fear me and obey all my commands! If they did, they and their descendants would prosper forever.” (5:29)
That is exactly why God wants everyone to obey His loving rules of relationship. He knows the blessings HE will pour on us when we follow His ways...all will go well with us, HE will drive out our enemies, we will live long and prosperous lives, and that long life will be IN the land HE gives us! (4:40; 5:33; 6:2-3, 19)
Loving promises always follow obedience to God’s loving rules…the choice is ours.
No wonder Moses pleaded over and over…BE CAREFUL to obey!
