Deuteronomy 4-6
I am especially struck today by the mandates to “take care, and keep your soul diligently” (Deut 4:9), “watch yourselves very carefully” (Deut 4:15), “Take care” (Deut 4:23), “be careful to do them [God’s commands]” (Deut 6:3), and “take care lest you forget the Lord” (Deut 6:12). Apparently, it’s easy for even the people of God to forget the magnificent power and blessings of God, even turning to false gods in spite of all of His warnings.
The lure of contemporary idols sometimes blocks our memories of God’s past protection. Indeed, we seldom default into obedience, so we must continually guard our hearts and seek the face of God. He who has redeemed us from bondage to sin and freed us to live for Him is worthy of such a commitment – He “is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other” (Deut 4:39).
Watching our heart and following God are not about only us, however. Like the nations in Israel’s day, the people around us might take note when they learn of our God who loves us, leads us, liberates us, and listens to us. Our children and our grandchildren also need to know the stories of our faith so they might learn to respect God and teach their own children about Him. It is thus loving and right for us to teach our children about Him when we lie down and when we rise up.
RESPONSE: Teach others about the Lord today.
