(REFLECTIONS ON Deuteronomy 28:1-14)

1 “Now it shall be, if you diligently obey the Lord your God, being careful to do all His commandments which I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. (Translation: New American Standard Bible)

Although we are not in the same situation as Israel, because Christ has fulfilled the Law, however our pursuit of God should not be any different than Israel.

In fact, the covenant between Israel and Himself, show us the level of focus and dedication that we should have in order for us to respond to God’s desire for a relationship with us, in Christ Jesus.

Jesus Christ is an act of grace, that allows us to be grafted into this relationship with God, and although it is isn’t incumbent on our ability to pursue the Law, it is because of this grace that should stir in our hearts a desire to pursue God.

In today’s Scripture, Moses instructs Israel to be diligent and careful in doing all that the Lord has commanded them to do. Although our focus may not be on pursuing the Law, but do we pursue Christ in the same way? Do we pursue Christ diligently and carefully living out the commands of Christ to love one another and to love God?

Just like in any relationship, the focus shouldn’t just be on the moment the relationship is established, but rather how the relationship grows from that moment on. Would we ever treat our friends or loved ones that way? Would we want to put in effort just to establish a relationship with someone and then disappear never to spend time with them after the relationship has been established?

Why would we do that with Christ and with the God that called us to be in relationship with Him then? Brothers and sisters, do we pursue Christ in the same way? Although we are not Israel, we are not saved by the works of the Law, but we should be just as diligent and careful as Moses expected Israel to be, in our pursuit of Christ.

Pastor Michael Lu
Enduring Word Bible Commentary: Deuteronomy 28