READING: Deuteronomy 29-31; Luke 4:31-44
The writer of Deuteronomy expected the people of God to rebel against God’s Word and thus wind up in exile for their choices. He also, though, gave this hopeful word: “When all these things happen to you—the blessings and curses I have set before you—and you come to your senses while you are in all the nations where the Lord your God has driven you, 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, then he will restore your fortunes, have compassion on you, and gather you again from all the peoples where the Lord your God has scattered you (Deut 30:1-3).
It is verses 1-2 that give me pause today. The people would experience the pronounced curses for their sin, but they would eventually “come to [their] senses” and “return to the Lord [their] God.” “Coming to their senses” means they would come to the recognition that their sin cost them too much—that their rebellion against God was never a wise choice, and their following false gods was indeed foolish. Returning to God in abject repentance and absolute obedience would be the only option. Then, God would welcome them back.
At the end of the day, we come to our senses only because of God’s grace, and He draws us back to Him because of His love. He’s a good, good God!
PRAYER: “Lord, I’ve so often been guilty of rebellion, but You brought me to my senses. Thank You.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Review and catch up day