LEARNING DAILY

Deuteronomy 4:1-2, “And now, Israel listen carefully to these laws and regulations that I am about to teach you, obey them so that you may live, so that you may enter and occupy the land the Lord, the God of your ancestors, is giving you. Do not add or subtract from these commands I am giving you from the Lord your God. Just obey them.  (New Living Translation)

Moses is speaking to the people of Israel emphasizing the importance of listening and obeying His laws. Believers must listen (by reading/studying/meditating on God’s written Word) and be obedient to God’s instructions! Following, being obedient leads to life and prosperity. Not necessarily as the world defines this – in God’s eyes. Yet, as God was promising the people of Israel blessings and prosperity, He promises Believers today with the same thing.

Obedience! Obedience is critical for Believers to walk the narrow way. This must be passed on to our children and grandchildren. It was necessary to Daniel and those with him as they would not compromise when Nebuchadnezzar tried to change their belief system to be that of the Babylonians. Being obedient to His Word shows faith and trust in Him which brings blessing into our life. This is an important word for every Believer today in order for each of us to live the abundant life He wants to lead us into. I wish every Believer understood just how much God loves you and desires for you to walk the narrow way according to His Word. Without understanding and believing this, one’s affections can begin to wander. Eventually Israel began to let herself be attracted and intrigued by foreign gods, away from the One true God.           

“Do not add or subtract from these commands I am giving you from the Lord your God. Just obey them.” Moses was speaking directly to the Israelites while they wandered in the desert. Does this command apply to Believers today? Absolutely! “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.” (Revelation 22:18-19). The warning is still for Believers today. God values His Word and His name above everything else (Psalm 138:2) and does not want either to be distorted or changed in any way. The tradition man holds on to so tightly and man’s opinions are not equal to the Word of God – they were never meant to! No one who writes or speaks about God’s Word must change it or speak falsely in order to mislead someone about what it says.

Deuteronomy 4:6 tells Believers to diligently observe and obey God’s commands, His Word. Believers are to read/study/meditate on God’s word with care and reverence. Believers are to hold fast to God and His Word as it is the only way to insure they do not lose their way and to fulfill the purpose He has for each of their lives. By holding fast to Him Believers can be sure to accurately reflect God’s words and character to a world that desperately needs Him.