“And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires only
that you fear the Lord your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him
and serve him with all your heart and soul. And you must always obey
the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good.”
Deuteronomy 10:12-13
When you fulfill all the requirements for graduation, you receive a degree. When your house meets the requirements of the city, it can be sold. We strive hard to meet necessary requirements in ordinary life, so why do we cringe at GOD’s?
Normally, we honor the people or institution who make the requirements. Moses described this Author as the One who owns the heavens and earth, the God of gods, the Lord of lords, the great God, the mighty and awesome God…and HE chose us! (v. 14-17) Fulfilling HIS requirements bestows a degree far beyond any other…the privilege of belonging to GOD! His requirements are essential for that relationship!
Any successful relationship requires honest and humble commitment, centering life on togetherness rather than separateness. God’s requirements are for that purpose…relationship with mutual trust, loving and serving each other with wholehearted commitment. God certainly keeps HIS part of the relationship…He loves all His kids the same and takes care of our every need.
So why NOT fulfill GOD’s requirements? After all, the result is relationship with a God who makes me the object of His love! (v 15) Besides, if God said obeying HIS ways is for MY own good, I choose to believe Him!
