Deuteronomy 32:36-47
Tuesday, 19 January 2021
“These instructions are not empty words—they are your life! By obeying them you will enjoy a long life in the land you will occupy when you cross the Jordan River.” Deut.32:47 [NLT]
The instructions God gave His people through Moses are seen in the Book of Deuteronomy. This chapter titled ‘The song of Moses’ is an exaltation to the Sovereign God as well as final exhortation to His people before Moses was asked by God to ascend Mount Nebo. God’s Instructions or His Law were guidelines for them to live in the land God was bringing them into. Today, God’s instructions are available for the Christian in His Manual, the Bible.
Moses tells the people of God that these instructions he gave them –“THEY ARE YOUR LIFE!” If they desired length of days, they needed to carefully obey them! Yes, it is the same for us today: “Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left.” (Isaiah 30:21) God’s Word guides our way!
What are the Words of Life found in God’s Manual? The most important are:
The way of eternal life: “And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth.” (John 17:3 NLT). You may be going in so many different ways/directions, without purpose or meaning. Have you found the right way to your Creator? By acknowledging God and His Son whom He sent to earth that one be saved from sin (which plagues all men throughout his lifetime), a person can be sure of living eternally though he/she die. Otherwise he/she would die in his sin and be eternally separated from God. Rom.6:23 says: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
The way of fruitful earthly life: Peter encouraged the believers thus: “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,” (2 Peter1:2,3). Knowing the Lord Jesus through a personal relationship with Him, helps us to be connected to His life that will flow through us. When we first seek Him, His kingdom and His righteousness, everything we need will be added to us (Matt.6:33).
The writer of Proverbs 4, has emphasized the importance of keeping God’s Word in the midst of our hearts: “Keep them in the midst of your heart; for they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh” (Prov.4:21,22). God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105). The Lamp lights up our way in the dark, showing us a straight path. The light of God’s Word gives us clarity when we are in the darkness of turmoil and doubt! “This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your word has given me life.” (Ps.119:50)
When we understand the importance of God’s Word and keeping them, it’s for us to give ourselves to it wholeheartedly with all diligence. Would you give yourself to find life and all that pertains to life in God’s Word?
Think on: “My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands; for length of days and long life and peace they will add to you.” (Proverbs 3:1-2)
Listen: ‘Wonderful words’