In Deuteronomy 29, we find Moses and the nation of Israel in the land of Moab, poised to finally enter the land of promise. Some are surprised to learn that God makes another covenant with His people (29:1). Moses rehearses the history of how the Lord freed them from slavery, took care of them through their wilderness wanderings, and helped them defeat their enemies. They are encouraged to keep the terms of the covenant so that God will establish and bless them.
Interestingly, this covenant not only involved the Israelites presently living but also those yet to come (29:14-15). The temptation to fall into idolatry would remain a reality for them as well. Sadly, some would choose to give in to the temptation and Moses has strong words of warning concerning the consequences of such a choice: “It shall be when he hears the words of this curse, that he will boast, saying, ‘I have peace though I walk in the stubbornness of my heart in order to destroy the watered land with the dry.’ The LORD shall never be willing to forgive him, but rather the anger of the LORD and His jealousy will burn against that man, and every curse which is written in this book will rest on him, and the LORD will blot out his name from under heaven. Then the LORD will single him out for adversity from all the tribes of Israel, according to all the curses of the covenant which are written in this book of the law.” (Deuteronomy 29:19–21).
Covenant keeping is very serious business with God! We can choose to rebel but there is a high price to pay. Imagine God not being willing to forgive you. Imagine bearing the brunt of every curse. Imagine having your name blotted out. Imagine being singled out for adversity from God. Think very carefully before ignoring the terms of any covenant with God. We may think we can have “peace” in our stubbornness but, in reality, it's only an illusion.
God loves you!
Mike
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