July 26 -- "Stay on the Path"

 Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 28:1-35

"Stay on the Path"

There is a connection between obedience and blessing.  As Moses nears the end of his life and ministry, he emphasizes this connection as he talks with the people of Israel regarding their future. Their obedience to God is the key to everything in their future.  Obey and be blessed.  Disobey and be cursed. 

They have a straight path in front of them – the path of obedience.  They must stay on that path.  They must not turn to the right or to the left.  It is imperative that they see the connection between obedience and blessing.  Obedience to God brings blessings – disobedience brings consequences.  All these blessings will come upon you IF you obey the Lord your God. The Lord will open His good treasure to you.

As followers of Christ, we too must learn that the “good treasure” of God’s blessings are available to us. God’s greatest blessings come as a result of your willingness to do what He has asked.  God’s love is guaranteed and unconditional and your salvation is sure, as it is based upon your faith, not your good works. But His blessings require cooperation on your part. The good treasure of His blessings are there and available to you!  But to receive God’s rich blessings, you must be obedient to His will.

The world, the flesh, and the devil are constantly trying to get you to turn “to the right or the left.”  To depart from the sure path of God’s will.  But watch out, sin always has consequences. Disobedience will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay. 

The good news is that God’s Spirit is always with you to guide you and keep you on the path of obedience.  He is there to protect you from turning aside.  As Isaiah the prophet said, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” (Isaiah 30:21)  Make sure you listen to that voice behind you.  Stay on the path of obedience.  And all of God’s blessings will come upon you and overtake you, because you obeyed the voice of the LORD your God!