READ DEUTERONOMY 11
GO DEEPER
The message conveyed in Deuteronomy 11 is the importance of loving the Lord and following His instructions. These two aspects are interlinked and inseparable. Without genuine love for God, it becomes challenging to have a genuine desire to obey Him and have a thirst for His teachings. But if our hearts weren't devoted to God, it wouldn't matter if we followed every order. God has given us the gift of free will because He desires us to willingly choose to love and worship Him. Should we choose to love God, this profound affection for Him should naturally result in our obedience to His commands.
Another recurring theme we observe is the significance of remembering. Moses urges the Israelites to reflect on the myriad blessings and miraculous interventions that led to their deliverance from Egypt. He stresses the importance of remembering the Lord's works and following His commandments (verse 8). Despite witnessing divine miracles firsthand, the Israelites had a tendency to forget easily. It prompts us to consider how crucial it is to continually remind ourselves of the Lord's faithfulness in our lives. The repeated emphasis on "remembering" and "not forgetting" throughout the Scriptures underscores their paramount importance. By recalling the character of the Lord and His deeds, which provides a proper perspective on our relationship with Him, it becomes natural to choose to love and obey His teachings.
The wording found in verse 18 should be recognizable. In Deuteronomy 6:4-9, we previously encountered a similar passage that emphasized the importance of holding these words dear, discussing them with future generations, and inscribing them in various places to prevent forgetting. This passage underscores how God desires us not only to be familiar with His teachings but to value them deeply. He is not looking for mere rule followers who are indifferent, but rather His wish is for all individuals to develop a profound relationship with Him, loving Him and cherishing His teachings wholeheartedly. When we treasure something, we frequently contemplate it, discuss it, and strive to learn more about it. Let us pray to continually deepen our knowledge and love for the Lord, to remember Him, treasure His teachings, and obey them.
QUESTIONS
1. What inspires your feelings of love and devotion toward God? Please consider setting aside some time today to engage in those activities.
2. How can you consistently remind yourself of the Lord's identity and the blessings He has bestowed upon you each day?
3. What actions can you take today to hold God's word in higher regard?