6 These are the commands, decrees and laws the Lord your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, 2 so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the Lord your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life. Deuteronomy 6
The Lord chose Israel’s inheritance for them and He still does so today. The time of our birth, the families we live in, the friends we have and the nations we’re born into are usually chosen in great measure for us. A lot of the framework of our lives is predetermined for us and we have to walk them out here in time, for eternity. The Lord delivered Israel from slavery and He’s about to do the same thing for the people of this earth once again. Pharaoh and the Egyptians fought until the last to keep Israel in their power, but God destroyed the armies of Egypt and set Israel free. The powers of this world are no match for the God of all creation, so we must expect our deliverance and a new day in this world.
4 Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Deuteronomy 6
While speaking to Israel, the Lord said, ‘Hear O Israel’, listen to what I’m saying to you! The Law came through Moses, but even then the command was TO LOVE GOD WHOLEHEARTEDLY. This was echoed again by Christ to the Jews in the Gospels, e.g. Matthew 22:37, still as valid for the Church.
God commanded Israel through Moses to Love Him but He also told them to Fear Him, the two things have to be held in tension.
13 Fear the Lord your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name. 14 Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you; 15 for the Lord your God, who is among you, is a jealous God Deuteronomy 6
He’s revealed as our loving Heavenly Father who sent His only Son to die for us, but He’s also the most high God of the whole universe who deserves our utmost respect and honour. It’s interesting to read the degree to which God was going to bless Israel in this account, (No good thing will He withhold!)
10 When the Lord your God brings you into the land he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to give you – a land with large, flourishing cities you did not build, 11 houses filled with all kinds of good things you did not provide, wells you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not plant – then when you eat and are satisfied, 12 be careful that you do not forget the Lord, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. Deuteronomy 6
God’s heart is to bless His people in every way but we in turn must Love and Fear Him, as our great God. He told Israel to do both before He brought them into their destiny.
May the Lord bless and keep you today. Immanuel, God is with us.