Thru the Bible - #180-Deuteronomy 28 Part 1 - Blessings at Gerizim

Transcript

Welcome And Bible Study Setup

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Welcome to Barine's Corner, the podcast where we go through books of the Bible chapter by chapter and verse by verse. Wherever you are in the world, thank you for joining. Grab a glass of water, a cup of coffee, a tea, and let's get into today's lesson.

Opening Deuteronomy 28 Together

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Alright, open your Bible to Deuteronomy chapter 28. The title of today's lesson is Blessings at Gerizim. Now, this chapter is a long chapter, and we are actually going to break this down into three parts because there's a lot in the chapter. And because it is so long, I'm not going to bring in the reader. I will be your reader throughout this chapter. And we will start with the first part where we will be looking at verses 1 through 14. Now it shall be, if you will diligently obey the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments which I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. All these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you if you will obey the Lord your God. Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country. Blessed shall be the offspring of your body and the produce of your ground, and the offspring of your beasts, the increase of your herd and the young of your flock. Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out. The Lord will cause your enemies who rise up against you to be defeated before you. They shall come out against you one way, and shall flee before you seven ways. The Lord will command the blessing upon you in your barns and in all that you put your hand to, and he will bless you in the land which the Lord your God gives you. The Lord will establish you as a holy people to himself, as he swore to you, if you will keep the commandments of the Lord your God and walk in his ways. So all the peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the Lord, and they shall be afraid of you. The Lord will make you abound in prosperity, in the offspring of your body, and in the offspring of your beasts, and in the produce of your ground, and in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers to give you. The Lord will open for you his good storehouse, the heavens, to give rain to your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hand, and you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow. The Lord shall make you the head and not the tail, and you only shall be above and you shall not be underneath. If you will listen to the commandments of the Lord your God, which I charge you today, to observe them carefully. Do not turn aside from any of the words which I command you today, to the right or to the left, to go after other gods to serve

Blessings First And Context Matters

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them. Now, one thing I want you to notice about these first 14 verses of Deuteronomy 28 is that the Lord is talking to Israel and that he is talking about the blessings that will come upon the nation. Now, there are a lot of people who like to focus on the curses that he is going to put on Israel, but they always seem to neglect these first 14 verses where they talk about the blessings. Now, verse now, verses 15 through 68 will deal with the curses, if you will, and uh the consequences of disobedience. But in these first 14 verses, the Lord is talking to them about the blessings that he is going to give them and he is going to uh bestow upon them. And as always, let us keep the context from Genesis 1 all the way to now. This has been about Israel. And if you start uh if you pick it up in Exodus, when the Lord is calling Moses out to lead his people out, everything from there deals with Israel, and Moses is still the one right here in Deuteronomy 28 giving this to the children of Israel. So it is very clear that he is talking about the Israel that came out of the land of Egypt. Now, you have to understand that everyone wants God's blessings. Uh, everyone wants healthy families, they want meaningful work, they want God's protection, they want joy. But here's the real question. The real question isn't whether we want God's blessing, the real question is whether we're willing to live according to his word. Now, Moses continues his final message to Israel. He reminds the nation that they are standing at a defining moment in his history. They are prepared to enter the promised land. And before they enter this promised land, before they cross the Jordan, God wants them to understand one fundamental truth. Their future will not be determined by the strength of their military, it will not be determined by the fertility of their land. It will not be determined by the surrounding nations. Their future will be determined by their response to God's word. In the previous chapter, Israel stood between Mount Gerosim, where they are now, and Mount Ebal. One mountain represented blessing, while the other represented cursing. That powerful visual reminded the people that every day they would choose the direction of their lives. Would they choose, or would they choose or would they trust God, or would they ignore him? Would they obey his word or would they follow their own desires? That same choice confronts each and every one of us today. Are we going to follow the Lord or are we going to follow our own desires? God delights in blessing his people. And these blessings are experienced as his people faithfully listen to, trust, and obey his word. Now, before we begin, we need to understand something important. This passage is part of God's covenant with the nation Israel. These promises were given to Israel as God's covenant people under the Mosaic covenant. That means that we should not automatically assume that every physical blessing promised here applies directly to Christians today, especially not in the exact same way. However, the timeless principles remain. God honors obedience. God delights in those who walk with him and in him. Through our scripture, we see that those who love the Lord enjoy his fellowship, his guidance, his peace. We see that in Psalm chapter 1. We see that in John chapter 15, verses 10 through 11. Jesus Himself said in John chapter 15 and verse 10, If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love. See, obedience has never been the means of earning salvation. Never. It has always been the pathway of enjoying fellowship

Four Marks Of Obedient Living

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with God. Moses begins by giving four ingredients that characterize a life walking in God's blessings. And we're going to look at this in parts. The first is the four characteristics of a life that walks in God's blessings. We see this in uh verses 1, 9, and then 13 and 14. Now, before describing the blessings themselves, Moses repeatedly emphasizes this same foundation over and over that God's blessings are connected to the heart that responds to his word. Notice the characteristics. First, diligently obey God's word. Verse 1 opens with an important phrase. The emphasis is not on an occasional obedience, nor is it on a covenant obedience. The idea is careful, intentional, consistent obedience. The word diligently carries the idea of listening attentively with the intention of responding. That's what it means, and that's what's happening there. It isn't enough to simply hear God's word. God expects his people to act upon what he says. James, he echoes this truth. But prove yourself doers of the word and not merely hearers who delude themselves. James 1 and 22. Many people enjoy studying scripture, others enjoy discussing theology. You know, we all have our own things that we uh find ourselves in. Still, others enjoy listening to sermons. Those things are valuable. Don't get me wrong there. But God's desire is not simply informed minds. His desire transforms that's what he believes in. His he desires lies that are transformed. Knowledge that never leads to obedience eventually produces spiritual pride rather than spiritual maturity. Now, we have to think about it like this. Uh that when you tell your friends how wonderful your doctor is, right? You you thank him. A doctor carefully examines you. He writes the perfect prescription and examines uh exactly how to take that medication, you know. And what do you do? You thank him, you fold the prescription, you frame, you know, saying you tell your friends how wonderful your doctor is. Read the prescription every day, but never actually take the medicine. No matter how much you admire the prescription, it cannot help you until you act upon it. The same is true with scripture. God's word was never intended merely to be admired, it was given to be obeyed. Jesus said, Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it. Luke 11 and 28. Obedience has always been the evidence of genuine faith. Second, carefully observe everything God has commanded. Moses continues by emphasizing that Israel was to be careful to obey all of God's commandments. Notice that little word all. Now that can be challenging. It's easy to obey the commandments that we enjoy. You've heard me talk about that before. It's harder to obey those that confront our favorite sins. And that is that is very true. And we have seen this over and over. Some of us have seen that in our own life. But God never calls us to selective obedience, he calls us to wholehearted obedience. That doesn't mean perfection. Israel wasn't perfect, and neither are we. I know I'm not. God had already provided sacrifices, forgiveness, and restoration when his people sinned. The issue is there is the direction of the heart. Are we seeking to obey him? When we fail, do we repent and return to him? 1 John chapter 1, verse 9 reminds us if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us. And Lord, we know he is. God delights in restoring his people when they humbly return to him. Third, walk in God's ways. Verse 9 says, The Lord will establish you as a holy people to himself, as he swore to you, if you will keep the commandments of the Lord your God and walk in his ways. Moses goes beyond our word obedience and says, God's people were to walk in his ways. That phrase appears throughout Deuteronomy and paints the picture of a lifestyle, not merely isolated acts of obedience. Walking speaks of direction, it speaks of consistency, it speaks of a daily relationship with God. Anyone can make a good decision once, but God desires people who consistently walk with him. Now think about Enoch. Genesis chapter 5 and verse 24. Enoch walked with God. What a testimony that is. The Bible doesn't say Enoch was perfect, it says he walked with God. The same is said of Noah in Genesis chapter 6 and verse 9. They lived in different times, yet they ordered their lives according to God's will. That is what Moses desired for Israel. That's what's happening here. God wasn't merely interested in outward uh conformity, he wanted hearts that delighted in following him. Now, the same is true today. Christianity is not simply about avoiding certain sins, it is about walking daily with Christ. Paul tells believers, therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him. Colossians chapter 2 and verse 6. Every day we make choices. Will we walk according to the flesh or according to the spirit? Will we trust our own understanding or will we acknowledge the Lord in all our ways? Proverbs 3 verses 5 through 6. A life that consistently walks with God experiences a closeness with Him that nothing else can replace. And that's what we do as we strive daily to walk in the Lord. Fourth, never turn away from God's word. Verse 14 tells us, do not turn aside from any of the words which I command you today. Finally, Moses warns Israel not to turn aside from any of God's words, either to the right or to the left. That warning is significant. Notice Moses doesn't merely emphasize God's ideas, he emphasizes God's words. Every word God speaks matters. Every command has a purpose. Every instruction reveals something about his character. Joshua will later repeat that same challenge. In Joshua chapter 1 and verse 7, do not turn from it to the right or to the left. Likewise, in Psalm chapter 119 and verse 105, it declares, Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. God's word keeps us on the right path. Whenever God's people drift away from scripture, they eventually drift away from God. Some of you may have noticed that in your life. I know there are times I've noticed that in my life. History repeats itself and it demonstrates the truth. When Israel neglected God's word, idolatry increased, immorality spread, justice disappeared, spiritual decline followed. The same pattern has repeated throughout church history. Revival, you know, has always begun when God's people return to his word. That is why faithful Bible teaching, that's why it's so important. See, we don't gather merely to hear encouraging speeches, we gather to hear God speak through his written word. 2 Timothy chapter 3, verses 16 to 17 reminds us all scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training and righteousness. Everything we need for spiritual maturity is found in God's word. Everything. Moses has now established that foundation. If God's people will diligently obey, carefully observe, walk in his ways, and refuse to turn away from his word, then God's promises extraordinarily will uh well uh he will bless his people in that covenant.

Covenant Blessings Promised To Israel

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Which brings us to the second part. Fifth, blessings God's uh that God promised Israel for their covenant obedience. Now, Moses begins describing the blessings themselves. Now remember the context, these promises belong specifically to Israel under the Mosaic covenant, they reveal how God intended to bless his covenant nation as they lived in the promised land, and this is about Israel. Pay attention to that. This is about Israel in going into the promised land. This is not about Israel going into another land, but the promised land. And while we should not automatically claim every one of these physical promises for the church, they do reveal God's generous heart towards those who walk with him. And there are a couple of blessings that we want to look at. The first is that God will exalt his people above the nations. Verse 1 says, Now it shall be, if you will diligently obey the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments which I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. Moses begins by saying that God Himself will set Israel high above all the nations of the earth. Notice who performs the action. God does. Israel could never elevate themselves, their greatness would never come from military strength. Their prominence will come because God placed his hand upon them. See, to God be the glory, and he gets all the glory and the credit. This promise had both a national and an individual dimension within Israel. As the nation obey God, it would distinguish them from every surrounding people. Because remember, they're about to go into this promised land to be surrounded by all of these people. Likewise, individual Israelites who walk faithfully with the Lord experience his favor in unique ways. Through our scripture, we see this principle repeated. Joseph remained faithful in Egypt, God elevated him. Daniel remained faithful in Babylon, God elevated him. Mordecai honored the Lord, God elevated him. Promotion ultimately comes from the Lord. In Psalm 75, verses 6 to 7, it reminds us, For not from the east nor from the west, but God is the judge. He puts down one and exalts another. God is still sovereign over every promotion, over every opportunity, and every season of our lives. Which brings us to the second blessing. God's blessings would overtake them. Notice verse 2. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you if you obey the Lord your God. Moses then says something remarkable. God's blessings would come upon them and overtake them if they obeyed his voice. Now, usually we think about people chasing blessings, but here Moses pictures blessings chasing God's people. The image is one of overwhelming favor. Wherever Israel went, God's hand would already be at work providing for them according to his covenant promises. Now, that doesn't mean life would be free from challenges. We know that's not true. It means that God's covenant, that his covenant favor rested upon an obedient nation. See, for believers today, one of our greatest blessings is not material prosperity, but the spiritual blessings we possess in Christ. Paul wrote, Blessed be the God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. Ephesians 1 and 3. Because of Christ we have forgiveness, adoption, peace with God, the indwelling Holy Spirit, and the sure hope of eternal life. Those blessings can never be taken away. Which brings us to the third blessing. God will bless them wherever they lived. Notice verse 3. Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country. Blessed shall who be? Israel. This is still talking about Israel. Moses continued by saying, Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country. That statement covered every part of Israel's daily life. Now some Israelites would live inside fortified cities, others would farm the countryside, some would work with livestock, others would trade in the marketplace. God's promise was that his covenant blessing would not be limited by geography. If they walked with him, his hand would be upon them wherever they live. The principle is encouraging. God is not confined to one location. He is just as present in the workplace as he is in the worship service. He is just as active on Monday morning as he is on Sunday morning. David celebrated this truth in Psalm chapter 139 when he declared, There is nowhere we can go where God is not present. Isn't that the truth? Whether we're at home, whether we're traveling, whether we're at work or serving in ministry. God's presence goes with his people. Now for the New Testament believers, Jesus gave a similar promise when he said, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew chapter 28 and verse 20. That doesn't guarantee an easy life. We will never promise that, but it does guarantee his presence. Blessing number four. God would bless their children. Verse 4 says, Blessed shall be the offspring of your body. Moses next says that the fruit of their body would be blessed. Children were viewed as one of God's greatest gifts. Psalm 127 says, Children are a gift of the Lord. For Israel, numerous children represented both God's blessing and the continuation of his covenant promises through future generations. Parents were not simply raising children, they were raising the next generation that would know, worship, and serve the Lord. This is why Moses repeatedly emphasized teaching God's word to uh you know to children. We saw that back in uh chapter 6, verses 6 through 9 of Deuteronomy. Parents today have that same responsibility. Our greatest goal is not merely raising successful children, it is raising children who know and love Jesus Christ. No inheritance compares to leaving our children a legacy of faith. And I wholeheartedly believe in that. That's one of the greatest gifts that you can leave your children. Which brings us to the fifth blessing that God will bless their livestock. Notice verse 4. And the produce of your ground and the offspring of your beasts. Moses then speaks of the increase of their herds and their flocks. Now, to modern readers, that may not seem especially significant, but to Israel, livestock represented wealth, it represented food, transportation, it will represent agriculture and an economic stability. Every healthy heart, I mean, uh, every healthy herd reminded the people that God was their provider. Notice uh Psalm chapter 15, verse 10. It reminds us that every beast of the forest is mine, the kettle on a thousand hills. Everything belongs to God, everything, and that's what he meant there. He alone gives increase. You know, that truth should cultivate humility. You know, when you really think about that, no matter how successful we become, we must never forget that every good gift comes from the Lord. James chapter 1, verse 17, which brings us to the sixth blessing. God will bless their food supply. Notice verse 5. Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. Moses then becomes remarkably specific. He says that God will bless both their basket and their kneading bowl. Now, these two items represented everyday provisions. The basket held harvest grain and produce. The kneading bowl prepared bread for the family. In other words, God promised to provide daily necessities. Daily bread, if you will. Now, isn't it amazing that the creator of the universe concerned himself with something as ordinary as bread, as their daily bread? Jesus later taught his disciples to pray, give us this day our daily bread, Matthew chapter 6. Verse 11. Every meal reminds us of God's faithfulness. Every loaf of bread, every glass of water, every harvest ultimately comes from his gracious hand. That is why we give thanks before meals. It isn't simply tradition, it is acknowledging that the true source of provision and that he is our true source of provision, which brings us to the seventh blessing. God will bless every direction of life. Notice verse 6. Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out. Moses says that this expression summarizes every activity of our daily life when he says that. Rather, beginning in the day, ending the day, starting a project, returning home, God promised his covenant care over every aspect of life. It reminds us that nothing in our lives is insignificant to God. Paul writes, rather, then you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians chapter 10 and verse 31. Every part of life belongs to him. Which brings us to the eighth blessing. God would defeat their enemies. Verse 7 says, The Lord will cause your enemies to rise up against you, to be defeated before you. They shall come out against you one way and shall flee before you seven ways. Moses now promises that enemies who attacked Israel would ultimately flee before them. Notice again who wins the victory. God does. See, to God be the glory. It's God who wins the victory for them. Israel's success was never ultimately about their military strength. It was about God's presence. Now throughout Israel's history, we repeatedly see this. We see this from Joshua, we see this from Gideon, we see this from David, we see this from Jehosaphat. Victory came because the Lord fought for his people. Exodus chapter 14 and verse 14 says, The Lord will fight for you while you keep silent. You know, that is a valuable lesson, and that's a lesson that we need to remember today. That the greatest battles believers face today, they're spiritual battles, and that the Lord will fight those battles for you. Paul reminds us in Ephesians chapter 6 that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of wickedness. See, victory comes as we stand in the strength of the Lord and put on the whole armor of God. Blessing number nine. God would personally command blessings upon their work. Notice verse 8. The Lord will command the blessings upon you in your barns and in all that you put your hand to, and he will bless you in the land which the Lord your God gives you. This blessing becomes even more personal. Moses says the Lord Himself will command his blessing upon their barns and upon everything they put to their hand. Notice the personal nature of God's involvement. He wasn't merely observing from heaven, he was actively blessing his people according to his covenant. Everything they did, their farms, their businesses, their households, will experience his favor as they walked with him. This reminds us of Proverbs chapter 3, verses 5 through 6, when we acknowledge the Lord in all our ways, he directs our paths. See, God is not interested in being part or only one compartment of our lives. He desires to be Lord over every area, every area of our life. Which brings us to the tenth blessing: that God will establish them as his holy

Holiness And Witness Before The Nations

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people. Verse 9 says, The Lord will establish you as a holy people to himself. Moses now moves from material blessings to something far greater. He says that the Lord will establish Israel as his holy people, just as he had promised. If they continued to keep his commandments and walk in his ways, the word holy means set apart. Israel was different from every other nation because they belonged to God. He set them apart. Their distinctiveness wasn't found in their military, it wasn't found in their economy, it wasn't found in geography, it was found in their relationship with the Lord. As they obeyed him, they reflected his character before all of the nations. The same principle applies to believers today. Paul writes, But like the holy one who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior. First Peter chapter 1, verses 15 through 16. I'm sorry, I meant to say Peter. I think I said Paul wrote that, but that's that was Peter who wrote that. God has never called his people to blend into the culture. He never has. He didn't do it then and he doesn't do it today. He has called us to stand apart for his glory. That doesn't mean that we isolate ourselves from the world because we know that we don't do that. It means we live differently within it. Our speech should honor Christ. Our attitudes should reflect Christ. Our marriages should honor Christ. Our business practices should honor Christ. Our lies should point people to the Savior. Jesus said, Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Matthew chapter 5, verse 16. See, holiness is not about drawing attention to ourselves, it is about directing attention to God. This is why we always say to God be the glory, because everything is supposed to point to Him. Blessing number 11. God will cause the nations to recognize his hand upon them. Notice verse 10. So all the peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the Lord, and they shall be afraid of you. Moses then says that all the peoples of the earth will see that Israel was called by the name of the Lord, and that they will stand in awe of them. Imagine that testimony. You know, just imagine what that would sound like if you had that testimony and what it would create. See, the surrounding nations would recognize there was something different about Israel. The same way that when people see you and I, they're supposed to notice something different about us as believers. Not because Israel was extraordinary, but because Israel's God was extraordinary. Throughout the Old Testament, we see glimpses of this. Rahab recognized that the God of Israel was unlike any other God. Joshua chapter 2, verses 9 through 11. The Queen of Sheba, she marveled at the wisdom God had given Solomon. 1 Kings chapter 10, verses 1 through 9. Even pagan kings acknowledged God's power after witnessing his work through Daniel and his friends. We see that in Daniel chapter 3, verses 28 through 29. We also see it in chapter 6, verses 25 through 27. God intended for Israel to be a testimony to the nations. Likewise, Jesus tells his church that we are to be the light of the world. Matthew chapter 5, verse 14. Our lives should make people curious about the God we serve. When others observe our peace in difficult times, and a lot of us have been through difficult times, some of us are going through these difficult times, our integrity when compromised would be easier. Our forgiveness when we've been wrong, our hope in the midst of suffering, they should see evidence that Christ has changed our lives. See, when you and I are going through hard things, that's what people are supposed to see. They're supposed to look at us and say, Man, how does he or she stay so peaceful? And how how do they still smile and stand upright? This is because of the God we serve. Which brings us to blessing number 12. God would give them abundant prosperity. Notice verse 11. The Lord would make you abound in prosperity, in the offsprings of your body, and in the offsprings of your beasts, and in the produce of your ground, in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers to give you. Moses continues by saying that God would make Israel abound in prosperity in their families, their livestock, and the produce of the land. Again, under the Mosaic covenant, these were tangible covenant blessings connected to life in the promised land. Every abundant harvest, every healthy herd, every growing family, they would remind Israel that God was faithfully keeping his covenant promises. Now, these teachings, and this teaches us something about God's character. See, God is a He's a generous God, He delights in doing good for His people. James chapter 1, verse 17 reminds us every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above. As New Testament believers, God's generosity is seen most clearly in the spiritual blessings we have uh received through Christ. We have through Christ received forgiveness. We have reconciliation with God. We got that through Christ. We have the Holy Spirit, we have eternal life. See, there's no earthly prosperity uh that can compare with those eternal blessings that you and I have, and uh we are grateful for, which brings us to blessing number 13. That God will send rain at the proper time. Notice verse 12. The Lord would open up for you his good storehouse, the heavens, to give rain to your land in its season, and to bless all the works of your hand. Moses next says that God would open his good treasury, the heavens, to give rain to the land in its season. Now, for an agricultural nation, timely rain meant everything. I mean, this meant everything to them. Without rain, there would be no crops. Without crops, there would be a famine. Without God's provision, the nation would not survive. And there was no way that they could survive. Every rainfall reminded Israel that they were completely dependent upon the Lord. Now, it's easy to forget that dependence. Modern technology may make us feel more self-sufficient, yet we remain just as dependent upon God today. He gives every breath, he gives every heartbeat, every opportunity, he gives every blessing. Acts chapter 17, verse 28 reminds us, for in him we live and move and exist. See, everything we have ultimately comes from his gracious hand. Which brings to blessing number 14. God would enable them to lend rather than to borrow. Notice verse 12. He says, And to bless all the works of your hand, you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow. Moses says that Israel would lend to many nations, but would not need to borrow. This was a picture of financial stability and national strength. Rather than living in dependence upon other nations, Israel would have more than enough because God had blessed them. The principle reminds us that God desires his people to be wise stewards of what he entrusts in them. The book of Proverbs repeatedly encourages wisdom, diligence, and faithful stewardship. Now, while the New Testament does not promise financial prosperity to every blessed to every believer, I'm sorry, and it doesn't, it does encourage uh contentment, generosity, and wise management of God's resources. 1 Timothy chapter 6, verses 6 through 10, and in 2 Corinthians chapter 9, verses 6 through 8. Everything we possess belongs to him. We are simply managers of his blessings. And that's just what it is. Everything belongs to the Lord. That's why he asks us to give our best. Blessing number 15. God would make them the head and not the tail. Verses 13 through 14 tell us, The Lord shall make you the head and not the tail, and you only shall be above, and you shall not be underneath, if you will listen to the commandments of the Lord your God, which I charge you today to observe them carefully. Do not turn aside from any of the words which I command you today to the right or to the left to go after other gods to serve them. Finally, Moses says that God would make Israel the head and not the tail, above and not beneath, if they continue listening to his commandments and refuse to turn aside after other gods. Think about how remarkable that promise was. Only a generation earlier, just one generation, Israel had been slaves in Egypt. They owned no land, they possessed no national identity, yet God promised to raise them to a position of honor among the nations. Why? Because God delights in displaying his power through people who trust him. It was just that simple. Again, notice the repeated condition if Moses keeps bringing Israel back to the same foundation. Listen to God's words. Or I should say, listen to God's word. And he also emphasizes obey God's word. Do not turn away from God's word. Do not chase after false gods. The blessing was never disconnected from their covenant relationship with the Lord. In conclusion, as we finish this section, one truth stands above everything else. God delights in blessing his people. He is not reluctant to do good, he is not unwilling to show kindness. And through our scripture, we see his generosity, his faithfulness, and his love towards those who trust him. But in Deuteronomy 28, uh, it also reminds us that God's blessings were tied to Israel's covenant, their covenant obedience under the Mosaic

Jesus, The Curse, And True Blessing

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Law. Now, as we continue into the next section of Deuteronomy, we'll see the consequences of covenant disobedience. That contrast drives us to an important New Testament truth. If blessing depended upon our perfect obedience, none of us would qualify. Not a single one of us. Every one of us has fallen short, Romans 3 and 24. For we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. That is why we need Jesus Christ. He alone obeyed the Father perfectly, and only He did. He fulfilled the law completely. And Matthew 5 and 17 tells us that. Then he willingly went to the cross and bore the penalty of disobedience deserved. Paul writes in Galatians chapter 3, verses 13 through 14. Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us, in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles through faith. What an incredible truth! Jesus took our curse so that we might receive God's grace. He accomplished what we never could. Therefore, our hope is not in our flawless obedience, even though there are some people out there who think that they're just so obedient that they never sin. Our hope is in the perfect obedience and finished work of Jesus Christ. As believers, we don't obey in order to earn God's love. We obey because we have already received his love through Christ. So let me leave you with three questions to reflect on this week. One, am I consistently placing God's word at the center of my life? Two, am I walking in obedience because I love the Lord or only when it's convenient? Three, does my life point others to the goodness and faithfulness of God? May we be people who treasure God's word, walk faithfully with our Savior, and trust his promises. And live each day in grateful obedience, knowing that every spiritual blessing we possess has been given to us through Jesus Christ. Ephesians chapter 1 and verse 3 says, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. To him alone be the glory. Amen.

Three Reflection Questions And Prayer

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Alright, that brings us to the end of Deuteronomy chapter 28, part one. As I mentioned earlier, we are doing this in three parts. That was the blessings at Gerosim. And those first 14 verses show us how God will bless his people, how he is blessing the people that he brought out of Egypt. Let us pay attention to that. That he brought out of actual Egypt in Northeast Africa. What would happen if they would follow his word? Okay. I hope that you got something out of this lesson. As always, I ask you to continue to pray for me. Pray that I am blessed. Play, pray that I stay steadfast in these scriptures and pray that the Lord is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. And I am praying for you as well. As always, it means a great deal to me that you take time out of your morning, your afternoon, your evening to go through the word of God with me. I am praying that you are in good heart. I am praying that you are in good spirits. I am praying that you are in good health and that you are steadfast in the scriptures. Alright, that brings us to the end of Deuteronomy 28. That is all for now. God bless.

How To Connect And Support

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