READING: Deuteronomy 10-12, Mark 12:1-27
“Everything that I command you, you shall be careful to do.”
Deuteronomy 12:32
The commands just echo throughout today’s Old Testament reading. As Moses continued to speak to the Hebrews, he reminded them of all that God required of them, summarized as: “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the Lord, which I am commanding you today for your good?” (Deut. 10:12-13).
These five commands were clear. God’s people were to fear Him, living with awe and respect toward Him. They were to walk in all His ways, following His direction and will. They were to love Him, returning their affections to the God who loved and chose them. They were to serve Him with all their being, keeping nothing from Him. They were to keep all His commandments, being careful to do all that He said. In essence, they were to walk tightly with Him, clinging to Him like a husband and wife might hold onto each other.
Indeed, listen to the depth of commitment God commanded: “serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul” (Deut. 10:12), “keep his charge, his statutes, his rules, and his commandments always” (Deut. 11:1), “Everything that I command you, you shall be careful to do” (Deut. 12:32). Their love for God would be evidenced in their faithfulness to keep His commands they pressed upon their heart (Deut. 11:18).
I read these recurrent words, and I’m challenged to consider whether I love God this way. I’m not sure I cling to Him every day. It’s far too easy for me to let my guard down and not be as diligent in my walk as I should be. My heart often takes for granted the marvelous truth that God, the Lord of lords and ruler of the heavens, for some gracious reason “set his heart in love” on His people – including me (Deut. 10:15).
And yet, He still loves me. He gives me second and third and fourth chances. He does what it takes to redirect my heart to Him and to put my feet back on the right path. How can I not serve Him?
ACTION STEPS:
- Review the commands of Deuteronomy 10:12-13, and recommit your life to Him as needed.
- Do “what is good and right in the sight of the Lord your God” (Deut. 12:28).
PRAYER: “God, help me to fear You, walk with You, love You, serve You, and keep Your commandments.”
TOMORROW'S READING: Deuteronomy 13-15, Mark 12:28-44