February 18 - Deuteronomy 27-30

Now Moses instructed the people to do some things to help them remember to keep the Law at all times. First, he told them to whitewash large stones and to write the laws on the stones as a continual reminder of what the Lord commanded them to do. Then, he divided the people into two groups of six tribes each. Six tribes were positioned on Mount Gerizim to pronounce the blessings of the Lord for keeping His law, and six tribes were positioned on Mount Ebal to pronounce the curses for not keeping God's law. This was not only a creative way to present the blessings and the curses, but it was a way that planted them deep in their memories. Also, did you notice how many more curses there are than blessings? Do you think God was making a special point in that way, too? I do. The blessings are wonderful, but the wrath of God is terrible.

The people renewed their covenant with God before entering the Promised Land. It was a special time of commitment in which the people were challenged to remain faithful to the Lord no matter what happened to them. Moses exhorted them to choose life, because to choose to sin and to forsake God was to choose destruction and death. It is the same way for us today. I urge you to choose life by choosing to gladly follow God's way instead of your own selfish desires. He will make sure your blessings are multiplied for your obedience.

Tomorrow, I intend to read Deuteronomy 31-34.