Readings: Deuteronomy 26, Deuteronomy 27, Deuteronomy 28, Deuteronomy 29, Deuteronomy 30

Deuteronomy 30:19-20 – “Now choose life… by loving the LORD your God, by obeying his voice, and by clinging to him.”

Chapter 26 begins by establishing a solemn oath to be taken when entering the Promised Land. The oath recalls the past and celebrates all that God has done. It reminds them of the important role that they will play upon entering Canaan – to obey God’s word. If Israel lives this way they will be God’s “treasured people.”

Moses instructs the people to set up giant stones and to write the Law upon them once they cross the Jordan. There is then a blessing-cursing ceremony in which Moses reviews a sampling of the Law. Failure to keep these brings curses. This is then followed by “future blessings.” If Israel carefully keeps all of God’s commandments, blessing will come in many ways. The other nations of the world will be in awe of Israel.

Next comes a long section on the curses that will come if Israel does not obey God. Death and destruction, plague and oppression and death, exile – it will be horrific. Much of this will come to pass. Chapter 29 halts this bad narrative and invites the people into a covenant relationship with God. The good and the bad have been laid out. Chapter 30 returns to reality. The sin cycle will be fully lived out. The curses will befall Israel. But… when you turn back to God, you will be restored. Israel will be gathered back up.

Our reading closes with words of encouragement. To obey – it’s not too difficult. These words, this God – “in your mouth and in your heart.” Life and death, blessing and curse, they have been set before Israel – and before us.“Now choose life… by loving the LORD your God, by obeying his voice, and by clinging to him.” May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, you lay out the reality before us – life with you versus life without you. It is not a promise, though, of everything being good if we’re obedient. The promise is your presence. There we do find good in all things, even in the defeats and exiles. Thank you for being our constant God. Amen.