DecisionsSample

Blessings and Curses

There are two mountains in Canaan: Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal. God gave Israel an unusual command: the people were to shout to each other from the mountains. Six tribes were placed on Mount Gerizim, the mount of blessing, and six on Mount Ebal, the mount of curses. If you obey God, you will be blessed; if you do not obey God, you will be cursed. It is a stark comparison. 

If you are obedient, they shouted, you will be blessed in the city and in the country. The fruit of your womb will be blessed. Your crops and lands, finances, harvest, all you produce will be blessed. Your coming and goings will be blessed. You will have victory over your enemies. Everything you touch will be blessed. People will notice God’s blessing upon you. You will have prosperity. Heaven will be open to you. You will lend and not borrow. You will be the head and not the tail, always at the top and never at the bottom. (Deuteronomy 28:1–13)

If you disobey God, they shouted, you will be cursed. You will be cursed in the city and the country. Your family will be cursed. What you produce, your land and flocks, will be cursed. Your comings and goings will be cursed. Confusion, rebuke, and sudden ruin will come upon you. You will be plagued with fever and inflammation. The heavens will be bronze to you. You will be defeated by your enemies. You will be unsuccessful in everything you do. You will be afflicted, oppressed, robbed, without help. You will have romantic difficulties. You will get engaged, and somebody will steal your fiancé. You will experience loss. You will be ridiculed and maligned by others. You will sow a lot and reap a little. Others will rise higher while you sink, if you decide not to obey God. (Deuteronomy 28:15–43)

In the valley between the two mountains is a city called Shechem. At the end of Joshua’s life, he calls God’s people back to Shechem. There Joshua reminds the people of the blessings and curses they had shouted to each other. He challenges them to decide who they will serve.  

This was one of the greatest moments of decision in the history of Israel. But every day of our life we are at "Shechem." Before us are the blessings and curses of God, and we must choose who we will serve.