Today’s Reading, Deuteronomy 30-31
Focal Scripture: Deuteronomy 30:2 “and you and your children return to the Lord your God and obey him with all your heart and all your soul by doing everything I am commanding you today,”
Have you ever tried to run away? I did on more than one occasion when I was little. From what I have been told by family I was pretty feral when I was a small child. On one so called occasion, I broke the window in my room and then snuck off to sit on a neighbors tractor. I eventually returned home after my mother found me and let’s just say that the reunion was joyous for a second then I was disciplined severely. I knew I could return home no matter what and I would be accepted.
In today’s reading we see this same truth play out with the Lord. The children of Israel are reminded that they can return to the Lord. Even after they make mistakes and fall into sin. The difference is that God does have an expectation of obedience from his followers. He desires for everyone who follows him to obey him with all of their heart and soul. To be obedient without question and grumbling. Biblical obedience looks different than worldly obedience.
I want to encourage you today to return to the Lord. If you have found yourself trying to run away or even punish yourself because of past mistakes, it is time to stop. God longs to forgive you. No sin or action is too great for him to overcome. You can’t ever hide from the loving reach of the King of Kings. If you think God can’t forgive you, know he wants you to return to him. If you have a professing faith he wants you to know him intimately.
If you are reading this and you are an unbeliever I challenge you to surrender your life to the Lord. However, before you do, you need to count the cost. Are you willing to repent of your sin? Do you commit to radical obedience to Christ? Are you willing to follow him where ever he leads? Being a Christ follower is not about a prayer, it is about a heart devoted to King Jesus for a specific purpose.
I hope and pray today that the backslidden run home to the Lord. I also pray that the perpetually lost person knows he can be forgiven. So where do you stand and where do you need to run today? It is time to return to the Lord.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Deuteronomy 32-34 & Psalms 91
