Read Deuteronomy 28
Highlights:
This powerful chapter has been used by the Holy Spirit to bring many to receive Christ as their Savior as well as to warn of the destruction of those who ignore Him.
The pathway of conquest was linked with Israel's obedience to the Word of God. Why? Just continue reading. It's very important for us. As God possessed Israel, they could, in turn, possess Canaan. God desired Israel to recognize the direct relation between conduct and destiny in all relationships of life. Thou shalt not seek their peace nor their prosperity all thy days for ever (Deut. 23:6).
The Lord shall establish thee an holy people unto Himself . . . if thou shalt keep the Commandments of the Lord thy God, and walk in His ways. . . . if thou wilt not . . . all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee (28:9,15). They were to see that submission to God and enjoyment of life are bound together as an inflexible spiritual principle for themselves and today's Christians. On the other hand, the inevitable consequence of sin would reduce them to failure, misery, and final ruin. This is also the basic guide for all of us.
If Israel would not obey God, they would eventually be forced to serve their enemies. Because thou servedst not the Lord . . . Therefore shalt thou serve thine enemies . . . and He shall put a yoke of iron upon thy neck (28:47-48).
Because of indifference or ignorance many Christians, like the Israelites, have never realized the importance of obedience in obtaining the protection and provision of God.
The Law revealed what was right. But, the Law did not provide the indwelling Holy Spirit the power to do what was right. However, God sent His own Son to die on the cross for our sins that the righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us (Rom. 8:3-4). Jesus said that the indwelling Spirit of Truth . . . He will guide you into all Truth . . . and . . . He will glorify me (John 16:13-14).
Give up anything that is not according to the will of God. As you read through all of the Bible,the Word of God is quick (living and active), and powerful (Heb. 4:12), providing the strength to do what is best for your life. Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby (I Pet. 2:1-2).
He that hath My Commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me: and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him (John 14:21).
Thought for Today:
Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord? who can shew forth all His praise (Ps. 106:2)?
Christ Portrayed:
As the One from whom our blessings come (Deut. 28:1-2). Blessed be . . . God . . . who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings . . . in Christ (Eph. 1:3).
Word Studies:
28:4 fruit of thy body children; fruit of thy ground produce; 28:7 smitten struck, defeated; 28:13 observe guard with your life and obey, the same Hebrew word translated keep in many places; 28:20 vexation confusion, frustration, trouble; 28:21 pestilence disease; consumed destroyed; 28:23 iron unproductive; 28:26 fray scare; 28:28 madness insanity; astonishment of heart bewilderment; 28:29 spoiled robbed, exploited; 28:32 fail with longing yearn, suffer emotionally; 28:33 eat up take away; 28:40 coasts territory, borders; 28:41 go into captivity be taken as slaves; 28:43 within thee living among you; 28:44 head chief, leader; 28:46 seed descendants; 28:48 a yoke of iron oppression; 28:50 regard respect; 28:52 fenced fortified; 28:53 straitness hardship; 28:56 tender young, timid; delicate weak; evil hostile; 28:58 fear have reverential heartfelt submission to and respect for; fearful awe-inspiring; 28:59 plagues diseases, disasters; wonderful extraordinarily great; 28:68 bondmen sale slaves.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Country: Zambia (10 million) in south-central Africa • Major languages: English and 70 indigenous languages • Religious freedom • 30% Roman Catholic; 25% Protestant; 24% ancestor worship, magic, and witchcraft; 19% cults • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to give you discernment in all decisions (I Cor. 2:12-14).
Optional Reading: John 1
Memory Verse for the Week: I Peter 1:22