READING: Deuteronomy 10:1-12:32
The question is an important one for all of us: “What does the Lord require of us?” Moses’ answer to that question on behalf of the Hebrews was as follows: “He requires only that you fear the Lord your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul. And you must always obey the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good” (Deut 10:12-13). They were to turn their hearts to Him and stop being so stubborn (Deut 10:16); they were to respect the Lord with holy fear, walk in His ways, love Him, serve Him, and obey all His commands.
Indeed, they were to show their love of God “by walking in his ways and holding tightly to him” (Deut 11:22). The phrase “holding tightly to Him” carries the sense of clinging to God, of holding fast to Him, of “sticking to” Him. In fact, the word is the same word used for husbands and wives cleaving to each other in Genesis 2:24. God’s people were to allow nothing to get in the way of their relationship with their Creator. They were simply to obey all the commands God gave them.
We are to live that way as well—with nothing hindering our walk with Him, with our continually turning from anything that might weaken our clinging to Him.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: What most hinders you from holding fast to God?
TODAY’S PRAYER: “God, bring me to the place today where I simply cling to You. Thank You that You never let go of me.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Deuteronomy 13:1-16:17