Scripture: Deuteronomy 26:16-19
We just finished moving through Moses' delivery of the Law to Israel before they finally entered the promised land. His delivery spanned Deuteronomy chapter 11 to verse 26:15, and we worked through the speech in sections that roughly correspond to each of the Ten Commandments.
Today we'll meditate on the closing thought Moses shared as he finished his explanation of the Law and transitioned to the end of his book (and life). Something more happened that day than just a second giving of the Law. Moses didn't simply read a series of rules while his countrymen tried not to doze off. As the aging leader reminded his people of the character and faithfulness of God, the entire nation entered into a solemn and binding agreement with their Creator and Lawgiver.
The interesting construction Moses used to convey this was: "You have declared this day that... The Lord has declared this day that..." Both Israel and the Lord made declarations that day, and as we'll see, they ultimately declared the same thing.
Israel declared:
- the Lord is their God
- they will obey Him
- they will listen to Him
This essentially boils down to "You are our God and we are Your people," but adds that being His people means obeying Him. And it's not just rote or mechanical obedience, but an obedience that involves listening to Him.
The Lord declared:
- Israel is His people, His treasured possession
- they must obey Him
- He will set them apart as a holy and honored nation
God is saying to Israel, "You are my people and I am your God." Being His people, again, entails obedience, but God adds to that picture. Being His also means to share in His holiness and glory.
Have you heard the Lord declare to you that you are His? That you are His treasured possession? What have you declared back to Him?
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