Today’s Reading, Deuteronomy 5-7
Focal Scripture: Deuteronomy 5:29 “If only they had such a heart to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that they and their children would prosper forever.”
Our hearts reveal many things about us to ourselves and to others. What we speak about, how we talk, our attitudes and even our demeanor are an overflow of what is deep down inside of us. People examine our hearts when we come in contact with them. They want to see what we are really comprised of, not what we portray to make ourselves look better.
In today’s reading the Ten Commandments were given to the people. They witnessed and heard the voice of God. Expectations and promises were given to the people. Then it is said if only the people would have a heart for the Lord and keep his commands. Then they would prosper forever. This alluded to how the people would not keep the commands of the Lord. It also previews their struggles as a nation.
Our takeaway is very personal. How is our heart toward the Lord? Do we keep his commands and his statutes? I know some people will argue we are not under the law so this doesn’t apply to us. On one hand they are right. However, we are under kingship. We are slaves to our master. The New Testament is full of expectations and commands. God expects us to follow them. Not out of compulsion but out of reverence for our King.
The challenge that we have is to make sure we submit to the Lord. To make sure our hearts belong to him first above everything else that we do in this world. Our goal is to please our King. For him to have all of our heart, not just some of our heart. When we do this we will prosper. It might not happen on this side of eternity but it will happen. Scripture promises that God will meet our needs. It also promises he will bless us, when we give him all that we have.
These blessings will look different than what our western culture expects. Thankfully, we serve a King who loves us and grants us mercy. He just asks for our hearts in return. So is your heart for the Lord? If not how can you change that today?
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Deuteronomy 8-10
