(Monday)
As I read this passage, I feel like when someone keeps telling you the same thing over and over and you are thinking, ok already I get it.
The problem is, even though they (and we) have heard the commands and the stories time and time again, we still fail to obey them, just like the Israelites. How does one get through to someone who is stubborn and sure they can handle themselves? How do we forget so easily the lessons we are taught? We must be able to hear the seriousness of the message… “Take heed… do not forget…days will come when you will indeed be tempted to forget the Lord God and to set aside the divine commandments.” Even though our hearts may be willing to follow the right path, there is within us a selfish nature, a sinful nature, that wants us to disobey God. The promises are there – both reward and punishment, why can we not see the true way?
I fear for our country because I see us heading down a road that is displeasing to God. I fear that God will remove the blessings we have experienced as a great nation, and fall into the punishment promised. God will no longer protect us. History is only helpful to us, if we remember and learn from it.
In Chapter 12 we learn of the law of only one central sanctuary. All community worship is to take place in the location where the Lord God’s name would be placed (12:11). Which in time will be located in Jerusalem. The place where Jesus would be sacrificed on the cross for our sins.
Blessings for the day!
Pastor Kathy