Friday, 4 September 2020

Observe the words

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"Therefore, observe the words of this covenant and obey them; so that you can make everything you do prosper." (Deuteronomy 29:8, CJB)

This isn't a vending machine: do what you are told (put in the dimes) and you will live happily ever after (get your candy bar)! But there does seem to be a connection between obeying and prospering.

Moshe is saying that if we obey G-d's words and His covenent, then things will posper for us. Prosper can't mean that we will be wealthy or won't have any problems in life, as there are lots of people leading rightous lives who don't have these physical blessings (the Bible is full of examples of hardship). But could it mean that we will be closer to the L-rd? That we will know Him better, that we will have more peace within ourselves?

If we are in a covenant relationship with the L-rd, we shouldn't be surprised that when we follow the rules of that relationship, it prospers. Sometimes it can be hard to accept a simple truth: just do what G-d says and He will be pleased with us! This Shabbat, maybe we should give some thought to whether we obey the "words of the covenant"?

"For if their casting Yeshua aside means reconciliation for the world, what will their accepting Him mean? It will be life from the dead!" (Romans 11:15, CJB)