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Deuteronomy 5 (ESV)

1 And Moses summoned all Israel and said to them, “Hear, O Israel, the statutes and the rules that I speak in your hearing today, and you shall learn them and be careful to do them. 2 The Lord our God made a covenant with us in Horeb. 3 Not with our fathers did the Lord make this covenant, but with us, who are all of us here alive today. 4 The Lord spoke with you face to face at the mountain, out of the midst of the fire, 5 while I stood between the Lord and you at that time, to declare to you the word of the Lord. For you were afraid because of the fire, and you did not go up into the mountain. He said:…

28 “And the Lord heard your words, when you spoke to me. And the Lord said to me, ‘I have heard the words of this people, which they have spoken to you. They are right in all that they have spoken. 29 Oh that they had such a heart as this always, to fear me and to keep all my commandments, that it might go well with them and with their descendants forever! 30 Go and say to them, “Return to your tents.” 31 But you, stand here by me, and I will tell you the whole commandment and the statutes and the rules that you shall teach them, that they may do them in the land that I am giving them to possess.’ 32 You shall be careful therefore to do as the Lord your God has commanded you. You shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. 33 You shall walk in all the way that the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may go well with you, and that you may live long in the land that you shall possess.

REFLECTION:

• “Hear…learn…follow” (v1). Each of these words is found in Moses’ first words to the assembled Israelites.  The Ten Commandments state fundamental principles which are to be applied in our relationship with God and with others.
• It’s important not to confuse loving God and others only with our emotional state. Love is a choice, a commitment, an act of the will.  The person who loves God will hear God’s Word, study to understand what that Word means, and then carefully apply it in daily life.
• Sometimes we act as if the moral standards revealed in the Ten Commandments are arbitrary and restrictive. We resent the “You shall nots” of Scripture, as if these were intended to spoil mankind’s fun and make human life as miserable as possible.
• But God’s laws are actually intended for our benefit, that we might live or live to the fullest of God’s intention and desire for us. There is a special urgency in Moses’ call to Israel to obey God.  Israel enjoyed a covenant relationship with God.  In this relationship God was committed not only to bless obedience, but also to punish disobedience.

PRAYER:

Father in heaven, I desire to listen, learn, and obey Your word. Please help me to have a reverent heart and to always follow Your commandments, so that both myself and my descendants may be blessed forever. Your commandments, statutes, and ordinances are simple and clear, written in every stroke of the Bible. However, I lack the perseverance to listen and learn, and I lack the courage and strength to obey. Father, I am a stubborn child of Yours, but I have a heart that loves You. I know Your grace is sufficient for me, and Your love, righteousness, and power are my fortress and shield. Please have mercy on my weakness, strengthen my power, and strengthen my faith. Write Your commandments, statutes, and ordinances on my heart, so that I may diligently and steadfastly learn and follow Your ways, and cultivate noble character and a beautiful life. Give me courage and purity so that I may be strong and brave before the world’s mockery and condemnation of Your ways, and that I may use words and actions of light, holiness, kindness, and wisdom to be a good witness for You. Amen!

HYMN:

You are Holy (Prince of Peace) – youtu.be/QsYyuK1w3q0