May 12, 2022
Today’s reading: Deuteronomy 28:1, 37
The purpose of blessings and curses
We read in Deuteronomy 28:1:
1 “Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the LORD your God will set you high above all nations of the earth.
We also read in Deuteronomy 28:37:
37 And you shall become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword among all nations where the LORD will drive you.
One of the main goals of Yahweh in working with Israel was to make them a model nation. God started with them so that through them, the world would be blessed.
God wants to bless Israel so much that they would be set “high above all nations of the earth.” They would be so blessed that people can’t stop but notice. Because of this, they will then see the Source of their blessings and eventually, know about the true God.
Nevertheless, this never happened.
Instead, Israel rebelled, dishonored their King, and went after false gods. Because of this, curses were brought upon them.
Even in this cursed situation, God still used it as a way to show people what happens when we disobey God.
Whether Israel was blessed or cursed, they became an example to other nations.
Sadly, the lessons we could have learned from Israel were never learned to the full extent by other nations.
Israel was a model nation. However, God can’t decide for them whether they will be a good model or not. It is completely up to them.
That’s why the introduction of both the blessings and cursing hung on a two-letter word, “IF.”
If you obey, blessings will come your way.
If you don’t obey, curses will come your way.
We are also given a choice today and I hope we make the right decision.
By doing so, the blessings we receive from God become a testimony of His goodness, love, and mercy.
To learn more about obeying God, please read, “The power of your example.”
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