Cover to Cover

Reading: Deuteronomy 30:1-32:47

Focus: Deuteronomy 30:11-20

The society we live in finds itself dissatisfied with rules, structures, and anything else really that limits their “freedom”. Human nature has never been satisfied with any of these settings and have always sought to break out from them so that they might break new ground and find a new experience of life which they could not have under the old, restricted “regime”. And yet, the cycle continues as these new experiences find themselves subjected to the need for order, structure and form…seriously, after millennia past we still haven’t learnt.

Israel was no different, but at the end of God’s declaration to His people, He has these words:

This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life…

God’s decrees, commands and laws are an offer of life. A far cry from our human perception of constrained structures and boundaries which limit freedom. What is more, this offer of life is accessible, God said:

Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. It is not up in heaven… Nor is it beyond the sea… No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so that you may obey it.

Despite our doubts and cynicism, this is an unrivalled offer of life at its best. The thought that limits, boundaries and rules might take away our freedom is completely unjustified when one realises the extent of freedom and joy which comes through life only found in God and His ways. What is more, this life is within reach, it is not some great mystery that needs to be interpreted by pastors, some hidden truth revealed by evangelists, or some unearthed treasure to be shared by apostles…the Word of God, the life of God, recorded for us in the Bible, is accessible to all who desire it.

Where our human nature decides to fight against the system, we get burned, but if we would wise up and willingly submit ourselves to God’s way, we will find life. Nothing people say can convince us otherwise, the testimonies of the crowds cannot compare to a personal experience of the fullness of life when God’s way is chosen. I know which path I’ve chosen and I can say that the only times I’ve been disappointed is when I’ve tried to do it my way. God’s way isn’t always easy, but it is the best way. For me, I choose life.

Next Reading: Deuteronomy 32:48-34:12