A CAUSE FOR OBEDIENCE

Deuteronomy 28 without any context is a scary chapter to read. It would leave anyone unfamiliar with scripture and the nature of God believing we serve a God who is just downright mean. But of course, we know that is hardly the case. The book of Deuteronomy is Moses providing guidelines for the new generation of Israelites entering the promised land with the purpose of enabling them to live obediently before God. This is exactly what we see in Chapter 28. Not only does Moses outline the character of God but he outlines the relationship between God and His people. They are given many reasons and motivations for remaining obedient in their faith as well as what is likely to occur if they are not. The Israelites are assured of blessings on themselves, their families, and generations to come, prosperity and success in their lives, and victory against their enemies. They are also promised that if they choose not to obey the laws and commands of God they will be cursed, their enemies will revolt against them and disease, chaos and destruction will ensue in not only their lives but the lives of their families and future generations to come.
                                                                                                                                                                                  As scary as these verses may be, I do not believe that God will bring curses, famine, plagues, and disease upon us. If we are disobedient today, in this moment in time - if we choose not to follow what God is calling us to, I do not believe utter chaos, madness and destruction will ensue, and we will end up eating our own children. I’m not saying we will get off scotch free – we know we won’t, but our punishment will most likely be less literal and severe. Regardless of what the actual consequences will be, it is a cause for obedience. We should use this chapter as motivation to practice obedience despite our imperfections and inability to not to sin. We should want to be obedient in our faith –choosing to follow the laws and commands God has set before us not because we fear the repercussions, but because of our love for God. The good far outweighs the bad, and we can trust that in our obedience, we will be blessed with the best gifts.